2010 AGMTuesday, 29 Jun, 2010
The United Wheatgrowers 2010 AGM was held on the 26th May 2010 at Chateau on the Park, incorporated into the annual Grain & Seed Conference.
The AGM commenced with the guest speaker, Tony Leggett of NZX Agrifax who gave a powerpoint presentation regardng plans for marketing information in both New Zealand and Australia. The 2010 Financial Report was tabled and current auditors, Polson Higgs were reappointed. The Insurance Levy for the 2010-2011 season was set, this again increasing from the current $4.00/tonne plus GST to $4.35/tonne plus GST. This increase will take place from 1st February 2011 to 31st January 2012.
Discussion was raised on the November Electoral Committee meeting and it was felt that this could be a good opportunity to hold a joint meeting with the Grains Council to discuss industry issues. Growers will be provided with more details closer to the time.
2009 ELECTORAL COMMITTEE MEETINGFriday, 22 Jan, 2010
The annual Electoral Committee meeting was held on the 2nd December 2009 at the Copthorne Commodore, Memorial Avenue, Christchurch. Greg Leonard-Jones of FMG presented a powerpoint relating to key points to note when assessing crops for insurance claims.
2009 AGMWednesday, 27 May, 2009
The 2009 AGM for UWG was held on Thursday 4th June 2009 at the Ashburton Hotel, Racecourse Road, Ashburton.
2008 NOVEMBER ELECTORAL COMMITTEE MEETINGFriday, 27 Feb, 2009
The annual November Electoral Committee meeting was held on the 27th November 2008 at the Copthorne Commodore, Memorial Avenue, Christchurch. At this meeting the current Chairman, John Wright resigned from the Board and James Sim has now been elected as the new Chairman.
UWG 2008 AGMThursday, 19 Jun, 2008
The 2008 AGM is going to be held at the Rydges Hotel, Worcester Street, Christchurch on Wednesday 25th June at 8:00am.
This will be held in conjunction with the Grain & Seed 2008 Conference.
The guest speaker will be Malcolm Bartholomaeus, MD Callum Downs on Commodity News - "Is it just a pricing spike?"
2007 Electoral Committee MeetingFriday, 20 Jun, 2008
Minutes of this meeting will be available shortly.
DIRECTORS ELECTIONS & NOVEMBER ELECTORAL COMMITTEE MEETINGTuesday, 27 Nov, 2007
Nominations were recently called for three (3) vacancies on the United Wheatgrowers Board of Directors. These nominations were advertised in both the Straight Furrow and The Christchurch Press, as well as being notified to all Electoral Committee members. T
These vacancies were created by the rotational retirement of Messrs John Wright, Syd Worsfold and James Sim. All 3 retiring directors indicated that they are available for re-election and as no additional nominations were received by the closing date of the 23rd November 2007, the three incumbent Directors were duly reappointed.
No election will now be necessary at the November Electoral Committee meeting set down for Friday 30th November 2007 at 10:00am at the Antarctic Centre, 38 Orchard Road (by airport roundabout), Christchurch.
Electoral Committee Nominations CalledThursday, 6 Sep, 2007
Nominations have been called for 11 vacancies on the Electoral Committee of United Wheatgrowers NZ Ltd. These vacancies are created by the rotational retirement on the 30th September 2007 of Electoral Committee members in the following regions:
Waiarapa/Hawkdes Bay (x1), Rangitikei/Manawatu/Wanganui (x 2), Marlborough (x1), Mid Canterbury (x 3), South Canterbury (x 2), North Otago (x 1), Otago (x1)
Eligible retiring members are able to be re-elected for a further term by being nominated. Nomination forms can be obtained from: The Executive Officer, United Wheatgrowers (NZ) Ltd, P O Box 13-646, Christchurch or by telephoning (03) 3650-881, or emailing allison.brook@brownglass.co.nz. Nominations will close at 4:00pm on Tuesday 11th September 2007. If an Election is needed, this will be done by postal ballot 14 days prior to 30th September 2007.
UWG 2007 AGM HELDTuesday, 22 May, 2007
United Wheatgrowers' held their 2007 AGM on Wednesday 27th June 2007 at the Hotel Ashburton, Racecourse Road, Ashburton. The annual Cocktail Function was held the evening before, Tuesday 26th June 2007 at the same venue and included the Ravensdown Wheat Award ceremony.
A summary of the minutes from the AGM will be available shortly.
April 2007 NewsletterTuesday, 22 May, 2007
Wheat Market Update
The delayed harvest, although frustrating, has produced some good crops of generally high quality. Milling wheat appears to have a lower than average protein level, likely due to improved yields, but mills are pleased with the results to date. Feed wheat yields are solid, although some inland areas suffered with poor grain fill in some varieties.
The delayed harvest caused all processors to become nervous about their supply and domestic stocks reached record low levels. Early harvested grain was keenly sought and prices held well through a period that traditionally sees prices forced down.
On the back of high international prices, the cost of importing grain remains high despite a resilient New Zealand dollar. Canterbury harvest deliveries by rail to the upper North Island at around $290 per tonne (on rail) is evidence that imported feed wheat is in the region of $370 per tonne. This will be the case for Christchurch deliveries also. This pricing would be backed up by our published data, which shows the significant sensitivity to the value of the NZ dollar.
Global wheat stocks remain very tight and prices are expected to hold up well until the US harvest. Conditions there are currently good which could provide for a gradual decline in futures prices approaching their harvest unless there are some unfavourable conditions in some growing region in the world.
Therefore we believe that approaching our contract period that wheat prices will remain high and New Zealand growers should have an opportunity to fix the 2008 crop at good levels. There is an expectation in the market that feed wheat will attract $300 per tonne, and that milling wheat will need a suitable premium to counter higher risk and lower yielding varieties. It is important that growers are able to contract at these levels after missing the high international prices to date through contracting at lower levels last autumn.
Important Insurance Survey
At the UWG electoral committee meeting held on 8 December 2006, it was resolved by majority that directors survey all growers to see if they would support the development of an insurance scheme for barley similar to that of the compulsory wheat disaster relief scheme.
The wheat scheme collects premiums through a compulsory levy under the Commodity Levies Act, and has special mention in that act to allow this commercial activity to take place. It pays out $200 per tonne on assessed losses due to insured perils such as hail and frost, and currently collects a levy of $3.25 per tonne.
To extend cover to barley crops could involve a process of modifying this Act of Parliament and the Levy Order granted, or some form voluntary scheme for barley crops.
The UWG Board has considered this issue in the past and believe there is not the support for a compulsory barley scheme. They also consider that attracting premiums from barley crops would be more difficult due to the nature of barley sales and production. For this reason, the premium advantages of a collective scheme may not be evident.
However, the Board of UWG has been asked to more formally canvas the opinion of growers around the country and is prepared to progress the development if good support is there.
The newsletter asked growers to take the time to complete the following survey by ticking appropriate box, filling out area grown, signing the form and faxing back to (03) 3772-991:
Would you support extending the compulsory wheat disaster relief insurance scheme or developing a new Levy Order to collect a compulsory levy to pay a premium for the insurance of barley crops?
Would you support the development of a collective but voluntary disaster relief insurance scheme for barley crops?
If you would like more information regarding this please do not hesitate to contact the UWG Secretary, Allison Brook ( allison.brook@brownglass.co.nz / 03-3650881). All responses will be accepted up to and including 31st May 2007.
Structural Changes UnderwayThursday, 23 Nov, 2006
For many years the arable industry has discussed restructuring its representation to provide the industry with a responsive structure that is easily understood by all arable farmers and the wider industry. United Wheatgrowers NZ Ltd has shown some leadership in recent years in an attempt to clarify its own role through closer cooperation with Federated Farmers Grains Council and The Foundation for Arable Research.
At a recent United Wheatgrowers NZ Ltd Board meeting this process was progressed further through a number of actions and proposed changes. The desired outcome of the changes is to have United Wheatgrowers NZ Ltd concentrate on its core business of providing the disaster relief insurance scheme, with a less cumbersome governance and elective structure.
This new structure will see a reduced number of directors, elected through a direct election process. The Electoral Committee will continue to function in its existing form until the 2007 Conference, where it will set the Insurance Levy for the 2007/2008 Insurance Season, the last under the current Insurance Levy Order.
Following this, the Electoral Committee will be encouraged to put their names forward for the panel of insurance assessors to provide this valuable service for the scheme.
United Wheatgrowers NZ Ltd will retain the current capital fund to enable autonomy and provide the required buffer for the insurance scheme. With the more streamlined representation structure the organisation would expect to be able to provide funds for industry research and education through an application process.
This entire process relies heavily on the Federated Farmers Grains Council performing the valuable advocacy role on behalf of wheat growers. Many of the roles that United Wheatgrowers NZ Ltd currently undertakes will be vested with the Grains Council and arable farmers will need to ensure that this structure is providing for their needs.
United Wheatgrowers NZ Ltd will work to ensure that a smooth transition takes place and that suitable relationships are developed between the Grains Council and industry participants.
These changes will be debated on the 8th December 2006 at the Electoral Committee meeting to be held at the Copthorne Commodore Hotel, Memorial Avenue, Christchurch at 10:30am. This meeting is open to all wheat growers. If you are unable to attend you should provide your views on these changes to an Electoral Committee member or Director (contact details on this website under "About Us" - Office Holders).
Can we Capture High International Grain Prices
New Zealand wheat growers are often frustrated that they do not appear to be achieving the peaks of international pricing. The timing of our contracting system provides that prices at the time of delivery are between six and eighteen months old.
This can mean that growers can completely miss an international price spike. However it can also protect from significant price drops and has an overall leveling effect on local prices.
Un-contracted grain has more potential to achieve price highs but generally when local demand exceeds supply and local prices are relatively high compared to international prices. This is what was experienced in the Spring of this year, with the feed market experiencing a lack of supply.
Un-contracted grain however has some risks associated with it, with no certainty of sale or ability to budget.
The dry conditions in Australia are currently providing a record poor harvest. This has seen local prices, particularly on the East Coast, matching the prices of imported grain. AWB are assuring customers that between the 2005 carry-overs and West Australian production that they will be able to satisfy their normal export demand.
There is no doubt that international prices are very high and will remain so throughout next contracting period. We are likely to see significant rises in contract prices for the 2008 harvest and milling prices are unlikely to be at a large premium over feed pricing.
Local stocks of feed grain are low going in to the 2007 harvest providing demand for early deliveries new season grain. Lets hope for a good production season.
John Wright
Chairman
2006 DIRECTORS ELECTIONSWednesday, 15 Nov, 2006
Further to previous advice, the shareholders of United Wheatgrowers NZ Ltd have resolved by Special Resolution on the 6th November 2006 to reduce the number of elected Directors from 6 to 4. As a result, nominations from eligible wheatgrowers are called for only one (1) vacancy on the Board of Directors for the 2006 Elections.
Messrs Ian Morten, Brian Dillon & Michael Morrow are retiring by rotation. Messrs Ian Morten & Brian Dillon are not offering themselves for re-election, but Michael Morrow has indicated he is available for re-election.
In the event of more than 1 nomination being received, an Election will be held at the Electoral Committee Meeting scheduled for Friday 8th December 2006 at the Copthorne Commodore Hotel, Memorial Ave, Christchurch at 10:30am.
Nominations close at 4:00pm on Friday 1st December 2006. Nomination forms can be obtained from: The Executive Officer, United Wheatgrowers NZ Ltd, PO Box 13-646, 55 Kilmore Street, Christchurch (Ph: 03-3650881/Email allison.brook@brownglass.co.nz).
Growers Asked to fund QA schemeTuesday, 31 Oct, 2006
Grower members of the QAgrainz quality assurance scheme have recently been invoiced $45 plus GST to fund the audit process under the industry driven scheme.
The scheme is entering the third year of scheme audits that will see remaining growers verified as being compliant with the rules of the code of practice. The first two years of audits have been very successful with a high level of compliance.
Supporting grain buyers and processors are pleased with the level of compliance and value the scheme highly as a contributor to food safety and to the traceability requirements of the purchasers of their products. These companies have grower membership to the scheme as a contractual obligation and requirement of their free grain purchases.
As has been discussed in the past, the scheme and grower audits have been funded by the industry since its inception. The NZ Flourmiller Association, the NZ Bakers Industry Research Trust, the NZ Feed Manufacturers Association, United Wheatgrowers NZ Ltd, International Malting Company NZ Ltd and Nestle have jointly contributed over $75,000 toward the scheme establishment and grower audits.
Supporting grain buyers and processors have also been invoiced $150.00 plus GST as a contribution toward the maintenance of the online database of member status.
Welcome to the December edition of the Arable Bulletin. This is an occasional email newsletter for members of Federated Farmers of New Zealand. It is sent to about 1,000 members who take a keen interest in arable issues.
Grains Council NewsTuesday, 16 Jan, 2007
North Canterbury Grains Section: The Rules for Driving Agricultural Vehicles on Public Roads
Two very successful meetings where held in conjunction with Land Transport New Zealand (LTNZ) and the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit (CVIU) in October. They were run by the chairman Paul Stackhouse with one in Darfield and the other Omihi. Both were well attended. The aim was to educate the farmers on the rules for agricultural vehicles on public roads. LTNZ spoke about the rules and regulations, with much debate as to the interpretation. Next Warren Newman (head of the CVIU in there South Island) measured up the various vehicles and implements that where on display, to give the attendees a clear idea of what was expected to be on the vehicles (flags, reflective panels and signs). It was agreed beforehand to let any non-complying vehicles go home at the end of the day. Some interesting points to come out were:
· Most front end loaders were found to be over length and required reflective panels;
· All vehicles, including ATV's need to be registered if they are ever driven on the road;
· If your tractor + implement is over 4.5 tonnes, the driver needs a Class 2 licence.
A main theme throughout the meetings was if you were seen to be making an effort to comply, the CVIU would take this into account if they pulled you over.
United Wheat Growers
UWG is currently in a two year transition period changing the way it operates. It is focusing more on the insurance scheme and plans to co-operate closely with the Grains Council which may take on the role of advocacy and lobbying for the wheat growers. The electoral committee board will be reduced from six directors to four due to the smaller role.
Insurance Levy for 2006/07 will be $3.25 - same as last season. For any claims please ring the Palmerston North office of FMG on 0800 366 466.
Herbage Seedgrowers Subsection
On Thursday the 16th of November, the Herbage Seedgrowers subsection held a meeting. The chairman welcomed the new representative for the Nelson/Marlborough/North Canterbury ward, David Birkett on board. A number of interesting topics were discussed. Some of these are as follows:
· The Australian drought and how it is affecting the clover production, with the crops being irrigated from the time of closing;
· Seed Genetics Australia Ltd has developed a proprietary variety called Superhuia.
Representatives from the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association, Ann Harper, David Green and Brent Stirling joined the meeting to talk through some concerns the HSS members had. They will be running World Seed 2007. Between 700-1000 people from the international seed trade will be attending. This is an exciting event for NZ's seed trade. It is very disappointing that the Government has refused to back this initiative.
Grain Prices
World grain prices are at a high level. These look to carry on through several seasons due to the increased human consumption rates, high reliance for animal feeds and bio fuel crops. The New Zealand grain grower contracts do not seem to reflect this. The contrast offered for 2007 was about $15-20 below import parity. Since then the growing condition worldwide (including New Zealand) has deteriorated causing the import parity to balloon out to approximately $100 - even with the high dollar we are experiencing. Grains growers are now looking for a considerable rise to get back to realistic figures to maintain a healthy industry. Our processors of grain must begin to signal to their end users some considerable price increases are on the horizon.
Other News
Tightening World Grain Supplies Push Prices to Decade High Levels
Smaller than expected crop yields around the world, combined with strengthening demand, is decreasing global grain stocks. This is causing prices to soar to the highest levels in a decade. Wheat prices have climbed as exportable supplies are sharply down for key northern hemisphere exporters such as the United States, Black Sea region, and the European Union. This tightnening has been exacerbated by a severe crop shortfall in Australia and strong import demand in India.
Surging corn prices are being driven by a smaller US crop and strong demand for use in ethanol and exports. Barley prices have also jumped to decade highs as a result of lower exportable supplies in Australia, the largest exporter the past three years, as well as strengthening feed demand even though there has been poor wheat crops. Sorghum prices are also strong as U.S. production has fallen to the lowest level in 60 years, and this is curtailing export availability.
Application to ERMA from Compost Manufacturers
An application has been made by compost manufacturers to reassess the use of Clopyralid-based herbicides (e.g Versatill). This is the second time that Compost Manufacturers have approached ERMA. The application is to:
· prohibit clopyralid-based herbicides use in home gardens and parks etc
· restrict pack size
· require use under personal control of an approved handler
· tracking to occur
This is another example of costs being imposed on the farmer by people outside the farming industry. Federated Farmers believe that more similar applications will be coming through ERMA.
GM Brassica Application to ERMA
Crop and Food Research Ltd has applied to ERMA to file test in containment vegetable and forage brassicas modified for resistance to caterpillar tests like cabbage white butterfly and diamond back moth. The plants will be modified to include the soil bacterium Bacillus thurgiensis (Bt) genes. This is the first GM application in three years. Federated Farmers has made a submission.
How Long can the World Feed Itself?
The following is an excerpt of an article written by Gwynne Dyer. It was bought to attention by the South Canterbury Grains Section Chairman, Jeremy Talbot.
We are still living off the proceeds of the Green Revolution, but that hit diminishing returns twenty years ago. Now we live in a finely balanced situation where world food supply just about meets demand, with no reserve to cover further population growth. But the population will grow anyway, and the world's existing grain supply for human consumption is being eroded by three different factors: meat, heat and biofuels.
For the sixth time in the past seven years, the human race will grow less food than it eats this year. We closed the gap by eating into food stocks accumulated in better times, but there is no doubt that the situation is getting serious. The world's food stocks have shrunk by half since 1999, from a reserve big enough to feed the entire world for 116 days then to a predicted low of only 57 days by the end of this year.
The rest of the article can be found at:
http://www.gwynnedyer.net/articles/Gwynne%20Dyer%20article_%20%20Feeding%20the%20World.txt
Fertiliser Quality Council
Future promotional activities of the FQC must focus on the use of nutrient management from farmers, farm advisors and regulators. The wider NZ community is looking to regulation to reduce the adverse environmental impact of nutrients moving out of farm land and into waterways and aquifers. The message is simple; through the use of voluntary codes the quality of fertiliser placement on the land awareness can be raised and avoids the need for costly and time consuming regulations.
Notices
Approved Handler Reminder
For those of you who have not yet attended an approved handler course, time is quickly running out for you to do so. You will need an approved handler certificate to buy certain chemicals by January 1st 2007.
Christmas Reminders
· Make sure you know the value of the nutrients in your crop residues that you sell.
· Read your herbage and grains contracts again and be sure you have firm delivery dates and how it is to de delivered.
· Ensure you understand what quality and what quantity you are obliged to deliver.
· Please drive your over-dimensional machinery on the roads carefully and try not to frustrate other road users.
Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year
For more information, contact Carly Sluys at csluys@fedfarm.org.nz
or on 0800 FARMING
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this bulletin is of a general nature only. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to matters dealt with in this publication.
Biosecurity concernsMonday, 21 Aug, 2006
UWG and Grains Council representatives joined with MAF Biosecurity representatives to observe the implementation of Grain Importation Systems at Christchurch flour and feed mills who use imported grain.
Concerns have been raised through the Grains Council regarding the presence of herbicide resistant Lolium Rigidum in Australian grain and the potential of it finding its way on to New Zealand arable or pastoral farms.
The grower representatives were impressed with the thorough systems that are in place and audited by MAF. Offal in flour mills is fine ground and mixed with the byproduct broll which is used in feed mills and on dairy farms. Monthly analysis of this product highlights prohibited weeds. Waste from the feed mill is deep buried under strict controls.
Unfortunately Lolium Rigidum is not classed as a prohibited weed as it can be found in limited areas in the North Island. It has been decided to undertake sampling and testing of broll on behalf of growers to monitor the presence of the unwanted weed, although it is considered unlikely that any would make it through the mill process.
MAF are convinced this weed would not establish in the South Island.
Australian Wheat Bulletin - June 2006Friday, 16 Jun, 2006
Wheat prices for 2006/07 are looking better than in recent years, with prices likely to lift during the rest of 2006 and remain high into the early part of 2007.
In Australia this is being reflected at this stage, in an estimated price increase of $30/t compared to returns from the 2005/06 harvest. In New Zealand, higher contract prices for the 2007 crop are reflecting a similar price lift.
Behind the lift in prices is another shortfall between global production and global consumption. By the end of May 2007, we expect to have the lowest global stock levels since 1982, and the lowest stocks to use ratio on record.
The current production year will be the sixth year out of the last seven, where production has fallen short of consumption. This has resulted in an average rundown in global stocks of 14.44 million tones per annum for the last five years. This rundown in global wheat stocks is not sustainable, and production has to lift. Higher prices are the trigger for more resources to go into wheat production to reverse the current trends.
At the moment we are seeing the US crop slip away as drought has driven the winter wheat crop to its lowest yield ratings on record. At most risk are the higher quality Hard Red Winter milling wheats. So, we are seeing strong prices for higher protein wheats.
Tempering prices are a number of factors, including healthy supplies within the US, and elsewhere, of lower quality wheats. This is limiting the ability of AWB in Australia to capture the full gains from the US futures markets, which in turn is keeping the price gains in both Australia and New Zealand under those being reflected in US futures markets at the moment.
Another factor at play is that wheat stocks outside of the US still remain relatively high, and above levels that in the past have triggered significantly higher prices. Stocks outside of the US and China remain about 10 million tonnes higher than levels seen in 2003, which was the last time we saw a significant upward move in US futures prices.
For those holding wheat from the 2006 harvest, the bonus is that you are holding wheat against a rising world market. During June and July we expect weakness from harvest pressure in the northern hemisphere, but once that has past prices should firm again. For those who have not contracted for the 2007 harvest, there would appear to be little downside risk at this stage. By April 2007 global wheat stocks will be at very low levels, and the northern hemisphere crop will need to be secure before the market can afford to trade significantly lower. If that is to happen it is more likely to be late in May onwards in 2007.
Malcolm BartholomaeusManaging Director, Callum Downs Commodity News
Clare 5453, South Australia
Phone 0061 888422781 Email callum@capri.net.au
2007 WHEAT CONTRACTS RELEASEDMonday, 22 May, 2006
2007 wheat contracts have met a mixed reaction amongst wheat growers. Although $25 per tonne on milling wheat is a significant lift it will barely cover the increased costs of fuel, labour and compliance. There is also some concern that current imported prices are at a higher level while growers expect to receive import parity pricing.
The bigger disparity is probably in the feed wheat market where new season contracts were released at a $10-$15 per tonne increase. Feed mills purchasing bulk imported wheat would currently have to pay around $310 per tonne in the mill whereas container product delivered to more isolated areas could be priced up to $400 per tonne. 2007 contracts fall in the $250 - $260 per tonne range.
One contract that pays a premium for selenium enhanced milling wheat has been well received by growers. This contract provides a sensible solution to the issue of rewarding growers for adding selenium to growing crops with the aim of correcting a low level of natural selenium in South Island soils.
Growers should also be aware of firm forward wheat futures prices and the potential of a lower NZ dollar value following our 2007 harvest. There is a chance that import parity pricing could be higher in the 2007 delivery period and growers need to balance this with the ability to find a market for grain over this period if they choose not to sign contracts. If grain is grown free it is important to outline marketing intentions to grain buyers so as they do not enter into other supply arrangements.
Ag sector support levels in New Zealand and Australia lowest in OECDTuesday, 15 Nov, 2005
During United Wheatgrowers' 2005 AGM, the issue of Australian producer support levels was raised. The perception among farmers was that assistance levels to Australian cropping farmers had increased significantly in recent years and this assistance may be putting downward pressure on New Zealand grain prices.
According to the OECD however, levels of support in Australia have decreased recently, and remain the second lowest among all OECD countries behind New Zealand. Read the Grains Council's full report and conclusions below:
RESPONSE TO DISCUSSION PAPER ON USE OF NON-CERTIFIED SEEDThursday, 17 Nov, 2005
The following is a response from Nick Pyke of FAR to the NZFMA's March Discussion Paper on the Use of Non-Certified Seed which growers may find of interest. The discussion paper in question can be viewed by accessing the archives below dated 27th April 2005.
The discussion paper implies that one of the major causes of cultivars producing below quality grain, loss of their original quality characteristics, is due to use of non-certified seed resulting in a decline in cultivar life. It is implied that use of non-certified seed has resulted in the occurrence of poor quality flour of the variety Regency.
Federated Farmers gains reprieve from ludicrous towbar rulesFriday, 23 Sep, 2005
The Land Transport Heavy Vehicles Rule stipulates that the towing connection of a tractor, other than a three point linkage, must clearly display on or near the coupling, the maximum mass of any vehicle that may be towed and the maximum vertical force permitted on the towing connection. The Rule also stipulates that the towing connection on a heavy agricultural trailer (greater than 3500 kg), other than a two-point or three-point linkage, must have clearly displayed the gross mass (maximum loaded mass) of the trailer and the maximum vertical force at the coupling when the trailer is fully loaded.
Plant Variety Rights Amendment Bill to update NZ legislationTuesday, 18 Oct, 2005
Federated Farmers and the Grains Council in conjunction with the New Zealand Plant Breeding and Research Association (NZPBRA), recently submitted to the draft Plant Variety Rights (PVR) Act Amendment Bill. The overriding purpose of the Bill is to strengthen the rights of plant breeders to encourage more plant varieties to be registered in New Zealand, but the amendment adds or enhances a number of other provisions to the benefit of growers and farmers.
The Facts on Approved HandlersWednesday, 13 Jul, 2005
Approved Handlers are needed for many pesticides under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act and courses are under way around the country. The urgency with which you must obtain a full Approved Handler Certificate depends on a number of factors, but transitional approved handler certificates expire December 31st 2007. Fact Sheets are now available to Federated Farmers members to help clarify what chemicals require an Approved Handler, what course best suits your needs, and when you should aim to complete it.
Past News Items:
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