Arable BulletinFriday, 25 Aug, 2006
Welcome to the August edition of the Arable Bulletin. This is an occasional email newsletter for members of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc). It is sent to about 1,000 members who take a keen interest in arable issues.
Grains Council News
Grains Council Executive Meeting
The Grains Council executive held a meeting on August 10. The meeting was attended by all executive members. Some of the key points are as follows:
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The weather - This has been a concern for every farmer. It has impacted on many aspects including the late sowing of seed.
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Varroa - Update given by the chairman Andrew Gillanders on the continual co-operation with the Grain and Seed trade Association to provide support for the Bee Industry.
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The availability of Seed - The unavailability of seed has been a concern to growers. This has been caused by weather conditions in the drilling window. Any farmer who requires seed for spring sowing should immediately contact their seed merchant about which varieties are available.
A reminder to all members to use common sense while operating agricultural vehicles on public road was expressed. This was highlighted by an accident in Southland involving a tractor on a foggy morning while feeding out.
Grains Conference/AGM
The 2006 Grains Conference/AGM was held in Christchurch on June 29. The conference was preceded by a field trip to the Port of Lyttleton. Andrew Gillanders was re-elected chairman and Michael Morrow continues as vice chairman. A presentation was given by Graeme Bourdôt from AgResearch, entitled 'Lolium Rigidum: Assessing the risk'. The council expressed its concern at the varroa incursion in the South Island and agreed on action points to support the bee industry.
Herbage Seedgrowers Subsection
The AGM of the Herbage Seedgrowers Subsection took place at the conference. During a discussion on seed priced it was noted the increase in nui contract prices related to a 20% decrease in seed production on oregon. Also ryegrass prices are$0.70 US/lb. This price improvement should flow onto NZ and the growers need to be aware of this and negotiate better prices. John Davidson from AgriQuality spoke about the issue of growers being able to access interim preliminary seed results for the AgriQuality data base. There are current constraints on the system which do not allow this, AgriQuality are redeveloping their computer systems so this will be added.
Maize Growers Committee
The Maize growers committee held their AGM in conjunction with the Grains conference. The main topics of discussion were the possibilities of ethanol production in New Zealand and the strengthen market for Palm Kernel feed. Colin MacKinnon was re-elected as Chairperson.
Varroa Bee Mite Incursion
The discovery of varroa in the south Island was an unwelcome surprise. Biosecurity New Zealand's varroa response team met with stakeholders in Nelson on July 7. The meeting was attended by representatives from the beekeeping, horticulture, arable and pastoral sectors, as well as from local government and iwi. Andrew Gillanders (Grains Council Chairman) and Duncan Storrier (Midlands Seed Director) voiced their view that the mite should be "sent back across the cook straight". A belief that eradication should be tried at least once was strongly expressed. This is due to the very valuable contribution the bee industry has toward all farming industries. An economic impact assessment has been created by Biosecurtiy NZ. As of May 2003, the potential economic impact of establishment of varroa in the South Island was estimated to be between $198 and $433 million over the next 35 years, with the arable industry facing an annual lost of $1.57 million. A copy of this assessment can be found at http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests-diseases/animals/varroa.
A letter has been written to the Minister of Agriculture in support of the eradication of varroa in the South Island. Andrew Gillanders attended a meeting on July 28 with the Minister to discuss the options. When MAF announced it would not be making an attempt at eradication, it produced disappointment and anger. On August 24 the government announced additional $1.25 million to the management of varroa in the South Island. It is pleasing the government has listened to the industry and is prepared to work with beekeepers to aggressively contain varroa.
Fuel Discussions Continue
Federated Farmers is continuing to work with ERMA, DOL and the fuel companies to address fuel supply problems for farmers and those in rural areas. National board member Hugh Ritchie is meeting with ERMA to discuss further problems with fuel storage and supply, and how stakeholders and suppliers can address these issues. Federated Farmers will release a new fact sheet following this meeting, updating members on the latest developments.
Snow-Feed Supplies
There may be a demand for hay baleage and silage this year as the supplies will be low due to the snow fall in June. This will provide arable farmers with an option of what to grow for the coming season.
Clover Root Weevil
At the North Canterbury Grains section meeting on the 11th of August, Scott Hardwick from AgResearch spoke about the clover root weevil. He covered such topics as how it spreads, what damage it can do, how to control it and how to minimise the effects.The weevil has spread throughout the North Island in five years, and there are fears it will do the same in the South Island, especially with the late April discovery of an established population clover root weevil in Richmond, Nelson. The weevil consumes the white clover, eventually destroying the clover altogether. AgResearch have, after much research overseas, discovered a bio control for the weevil, a parastiod wasp from Ireland. The wasp lays eggs in the weevil, rendering it immediately sterile, and ultimately killing the weevil. The wasp will be released in Richmond in an attempt to slow the progression of the weevil in the South Island. For any further information, see the AgResearch website http://www.agresearch.co.nz/CRW/
Grain Contracts
FFNZ provides two contracts, Cereal Crops for Silage (agreement to grow) and Grain Contract (agreement to grow) for members to purchase. Ring 0800 FARMING to obtain these contracts.
World Coarse Grains Situation
The world coarse grain production forecast for 2006/2007 is marginally smaller, yet will remain third largest ever. With the global consumption increasing by 25 million tons, ending stocks and the stock-to-use ratio are forecast to drop to their lowest level in over 30 years, resulting in higher prices. World trade remains relatively flat, although tighter supplies of feed quality wheat could cause a shift to more corn import demand.
Australian grain production forecasts down
All around Australia grain growers are facing a variety of problems. Queensland, West Australia, New South Wales and Victoria are all facing tough conditions, with South Australia the only state expected to deliver a decent harvest. There is the expectation that the international stocks may tighten, therefore the good prices should continue.
Other News
Review of the Fire Service Continues
It has been over a year since the review of the New Zealand Fire Service was first announced and it is still a topic of hot debate. Following a two day workshop at Parliament in July, Federated Farmers Rural Fire Spokesman Andrew Gillanders has met with a number of rural stakeholders to discuss the future of the fire service. The Federation, in conjunction with other stakeholders, has requested a more detailed proposal of the new fire service structure and funding from the Department of Internal Affairs. Once this is released the Federation will have an accurate idea of what the potential changes will mean for those in rural areas, and will consult with members to make sure that the proposed structure will serve their needs.
For more information contact Policy Adviser Ewan Kelsall,
ekelsall@fedfarm.org.nz or 0800 FARMING
Climate Change Work Programme
The government has released a report (04/07/06) looking at its direction on climate change. The government is examining its long term policy settings around climate change. With the focus on how New Zealand can meet the challenges to the economy and the environment and way of life posed by climate change over the coming decades. Federated Farmers will be seeking to ensure the government's Kyoto policies do not deliver another blow to farmers and reduce the international competitiveness of New Zealand's number one export earner.
Paid Parental Leave for self-employed starts 1 July
Self-employed parents will be eligible for 14 weeks paid parental leave for children born or adopted after July of this year. Paid parental leave for employees has been available since 2002, and will now be extended to a range of self-employed people including farming families. The rate will also increase from a maximum of $357.30 to $372.12 per week (before tax). More information is available from the Department of Labour at www.ers.govt.nz or call 0800 20 90 20.
Notices
Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit Meeting
27th September, Grey Way Lounge, Phar-Lap Raceway, Timaru.
"Information is Knowledge 2006"
Have you ever wished you could have asked the CVIU why they did a particular thing when they stopped/weighed you vehicle? This is your opportunity to do so. This is for the trucking industry, not for tractors and agricultural vehicles. Farmers that own and operate heavy trucks on the road may be interested. It is an all day session.
The NZ Police in Timaru offers a day to give people from the industry an opportunity to gain an understanding of the legislation, how it can affect them and the passing on of general information. The numbers are restricted to 100 people. The organisers would like you register your intention to participate in writing.
Stuart Ross Email: mailto:stuart.ross@police.govt.nzDX
DX WX 10658,Timaru
FFNZ & National Bank Leadership Skills Training
28-29 November, Wellington
This is an advanced course designed to support current and future provincial and industry group farming leaders. It will improve your understanding of the Federation, agricultural politics and your public speaking skills.
For more information please contact Ali Undorf-Lay at
aundorflay@fedram.org.nz or 0800 FARMING.
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.
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