FEDtalks: Recent Episodes
Federated Farmers of New Zealand
In our weekly Podcasts, we catch up with real farmers and agribusiness people making a difference in New Zealand agriculture
In January we reported in FEDSNEWS that the future of wilding pine control was uncertain - with funds signalled to reduce to a $10m annual baseline.
This week for FEDTalks we spoke with WPN Chair Richard Bowman about how NZ Inc. could best continue the effort, given the lion’s share of funding is budgeted to leave the tent.
National President - Wayne Langford
National Vice-President - Colin Hurst
Arable Chair - David Birkett
SFX from zapsplat.com
Toyota confirms hybrid Hilux for NZ in 2024: tinyurl.com/msvfx25c
Blanket pine forestry is a touchy subject for many Kiwi farmers. There are other ways farms and trees can coexist however - ways that offset emissions without impacting on land use, and with serious potential for farmers to make money sustainably from timber crops. We spoke to Farm Forestry Association Patron Eric Appleton to find out more.
SFX from zapsplat.com
More info on this research: tinyurl.com/u5txus7u
DairyNZ's Plantain Potency and Practice Programme: tinyurl.com/yw7mj5r4
The Submission process is daunting to many but becoming very important as we are increasingly swamped with proposed legislation….joining us today is Mid Canterbury president David Acland and Group Manager National Policy – Nick Clark.
What does the submission process look like?
Is it something everyone should do?
Who should submit.
What about select committee, should you appear?
Are there any resources available to help first time submitters?
What makes a good submission
Why are submissions important?
You can't put a price on family. That's the key takeaway Feds' Communications Assistant Cameron MacDuff had when he talked to Ashburton ex-farmer and regional IHC chair Rose Keen this week. Rose's son Daniel has been in the IHC's care since he was very young.
Following the loss of her husband in a 2009 rural firefighting tragedy, IHC support services funded via farmers' donations allowed Daniel to stay close to his mum and their neighbours on the farm.
Fedtalks is a proudly independent podcast produced by us - with no networks dictating or sanitizing our content, which means we get none of their cash either….join us today at fedfarm.org.nz, and if you haven’t already – download fedsvoice the app!
Welcome to Fedtalks – this week we begin a new select committee feature. Feds appears at select committee often, and this week it was Sandra Faulkner telling Parliament’s finance and expenditure select committee that local accountability will be destroyed and claimed savings are highly dubious….
It's calving season! As many farmers know this is a time where rural communities come together to support the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme, whereby funds from sales of donated calves are used to support intellectually disabled people and their families living rurally.
The Scheme celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion Feds' Communications Assistant Cameron MacDuff talked to IHC's National Manager Fundraising, Greg Millar and Calf & Rural Scheme National Coordinator, Lynda Young-Kennedy about how they've adapted in the face of M. Bovis and COVID-19, and how this amazing initiative helps vulnerable rural families to thrive.
Chief Veterinary Officer from MPI - Mary van Andel is an experienced disease control epidemiologist who has worked successfully in challenging circumstances. Skilled in quantitative epidemiology and relationship management at all levels. Dr van Andel has a record of building engagement and delivering science communication to a variety of stakeholders from primary producers to ministers. Also experience in emergency management and outbreak investigation as well as modeling, analysis, and simulation exercises.
When the Labour government came in, they stopped the entire oil industry overnight. They didn't change legislation. They announced a moratorium on licensing and exploration. That was effective immediately. My question is to the government, why not do the same with special forestry tests and land conversions in this country? It's convenient for them to leave it- and the longer they leave it, and the more farmland that goes into forestry, the better it looks in terms of our objectives under the Paris accord.
2014 Nuffield Scholar Mel Poulton is someone with a unique perspective. Well, two really. As both a food-producing farmer and New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, we asked Mel to share her perspectives on trade, and an industry grappling with significant global challenges.
The New Zealand Government is proposing drastic changes to pig farming practices even as we face a wave of imported pork produced using practices that are illegal in New Zealand. These changes could result in the deaths of thousands of additional piglets, pig farms shutting down, and force Kiwis to rely on even more imported pork.https://www.supportnzpigfarmers.co.nz/
Our pig farmers support science-backed improvements to animal welfare, but the proposed changes could force farmers out of business and put the price of New Zealand born and raised pork out of the reach of many Kiwis.
Diana Rodgersis a “real food” Dietitian Nutritionist, author and podcast host, she is joining us in New Zealand this July At PINZ Today Diana talks to us about nutrition, sustainability, the huge benefits of eating meat and food policy issues. She also speaks to Sacred Cow, her documentry exploring the important role of animals in our food system.
“I mean, I don't think that New Zealand would ever want to be in a situation where it could not guarantee a consistent supply of milk, meat, fresh fruit, vegetables, bread and produce. That would not be a sensible thing for any country”. Alison Stewart CEO FAR
Andrew give a He Waka Eke Noa update and talks us briefly through the Government's recently released exposure draft of their NPS for indigenous biodiversity.
Countdown to HWEN is on! The final recommendation report went to Ministers this week. Andrew outlines the overriding goal for Feds.
This week we catch up with departing board member - Chris Allen
Mid Canterbury Farmer Chris Allen farms a 360-hectare irrigated sheep, beef and cropping property in Mid Canterbury utilising winter cropping practices. Chris uses technology to deliver precision agriculture, including using real-time telemetry on irrigation to monitor water flow and soil moisture. Chris' direct involvement with Farming issues includes being elected Federated Farmers Mid Canterbury Provincial President from 2011-2014 and currently is a community representative on the Ashburton Zone Committee. Since 2011 Chris has been on Federated Farmers National Board with specific governance responsibilities on Good Farming Practices and Integrated Farm Plans projects. Chris was involved with setting up and is currently a trustee of the Biodiversity Collaborative Group that completed the Draft National Policy Statement Biodiversity (NPSIB) and complementary measures.
A crazy week politicly - pleasing to see science as the solution. Andrew covers off the budget this week too and of course the HWEN update!
Bonjour from Brussels…Andrew is at the International Dairy Federation meeting. Andrew reports 19 hours to Dubai with a mask not much fun, the paperwork is awful and stressful, and just too hard. Ukraine leads the news, Europe are very concerned and rightly so,…there is not about the food not being available - it is. But for example, around 100 % of Egypt's wheat is from the Ukraine which in turn could cause civil unrest. Piercristiano Brazzale IDF President reports that his power bill has gone from 3 mil to 15 mill for his Italian dairy factories. Andrew is concerned about the just-released “ Dairy code of welfare” and will be picking that up too when he is home.
From the cowshed, HWEN update, farm-level or processor level? Government is yet to decide! Gene editing covered off too. Inflation, immigration and the ridiculous cost of regulation, which will adversely affect productivity which in turn - you got it - creates inflation.
Slight positive moves on Eh Waka Eke Noa, what's happening with rural representation and big ups to the Southland team.
Andrew Hoggard with an update on He Waka Eke Noa. "We've been pushing for changes that we want to see, that we think make the farm level a better option than what it currently is. But it's still too early to tell whether we're going to get this thing in a good enough place that we're happy to sign it.
Government parties have informed us that they won't be signing the document.
Would it be nice to know that way back at the start".
Federated Farmers along with many others in rural Rotorua have pushed hard yet again for rural representation to be at the table, being part of decision making and bringing our unique perspective to the outcomes. Sadly following the 2022 Representation Review arrangements, it is clear our voice is not wanted – just our money. Keeping in mind rural communities make up around 30% of the rate take, they simply could not do without us financially.
- How do I know if the Water Services Bill will affect me?
- Did Federated Farmers try to stop this? What happened?
- What is Taumata Arowai and why do we need it?
- What are the solutions for small water suppliers likely to look like? How much more paperwork am I going to have to do?
- You must be answering questions all day Nigel, where can I hear more about this?
- Why is the Three Waters reform Can you take us back to the beginning When counties and boroughs were amalgamated into districts and Regional Councils were created.
Joining us today on fed talks to update us on Omicron on-farm - is national board member of Federated Farmers, Chris Lewis. We talk about the traffic light system and what it means on-farm.
Chris talks about the effects on primary production and farming in general
The industry groups working with central government have they made any headway?
It's a time-critical part of our farming year with processing etc, we catch up with how production is going. Also grain and grapes or beer and wine, our arable farmers have had a terrible time with weather, on top of staff shortages we cover how that is going too. And we've also got the added complication of the Ukraine. How could this event impact us?
What resources can Federated Farmers offer to members, and why should Farmers join Federated Farmers?
https://www.bargainchemist.co.nz/collections/rapid-antigen-test?fbclid=IwAR0JKCMtIF3sYpGt1cCShV3qgR7cO1QvUy3TRWUsFUUNIDEa7hILJzfl0Ms
https://covid19.govt.nz/assets/resources/social-media/UAC_what-type-of-contact-are-you.png
https://www.fedfarm.org.nz/
William Beetham from our board, and Meat and Wool chairperson here at Federated Farmers. This week we speak about Carbon Farming and what it means.
What is carbon farming, and why do we need it.
sequestration explained, and what sequesters carbon
The difference between plant and leave - And production plantations
The sheer density of the planting of some carbon forestry, and the risks in terms of pests and fire
Which leave should farmers use for staff when they are waiting on results from a PCR test?
If a staff member claims they have COVID do they have to prove it?
What if an employee has run out of annual leave after Christmas and refuses to use unpaid leave for isolation?
If staff ignore the infection prevention protocols, what can an employer do?
Some farmers are going to need to ask staff who are well, to work overtime to cover staff shortages. What legalities surround that?
If staff are needed for other duties while someone else is away but they refuse to do these new duties as they aren’t part of their original job description, what happens?
- What is He Waka Eke Noa?
- Do Feds have a position on He Waka Eke Noa
- What’s the deadline to select one of the HWEN options
- if we don’t select one of them, is it automatic that agriculture goes into the ETS (and when?) or is there a chance for further negotiation with the government?
- Both options have some benefits over the ETS which is the alternative, but are either of them any good?
- Have we given up on the fight to get the methane targets changed, particularly the post-2030 26-47% reduction target?
- What’s the alternative?
- Is the alternative any better?
- What about the price paid for sequestration and what is eligible, currently farmers can claim ETS eligible natives through HWEN, Meaning farmers don’t have to deal with ETS and HWEN?
- Some farmers are saying, who cares next time National gets in they will change it all back?
- What are the other big concerns at the moment?
Omicron - Stay calm
Prepare for the worst hope for the best – Take what comes
What does this mean for Farmers? We talk to Federated Farmers board member and Waikato dairy farmer Chris Lewis about how should we prepare, what can Feds offer farmers?
Why is shade and shelter important?
• Are there rules around Shade and Shelter?
• How do we Identify hot spots on the farm?
• Strategies for stock placement during summer months?
• Top tips for planting?
• Do we have a nursery who can supply bulk plants direct to farm?
• What are some of the other reasons to have a planting strategy?
What is the core role of Feds? Inside Feds, where we chat with people inside New Zealand’s largest rural advocacy group… Who are they? What are their roles? And more importantly what are they doing for you?
Today we speak with Gavin Forrest - General Manager of policy at Federated Farmers, also joining us is Canterbury-based Manager of general policy Nick Clark …..
In this episode, we talk about Cyber Security and Cybercrime amidst the growing concerns about just how un-secure we are. We speak with industry experts Jonathan Berry from InPhySec and FMG's Stephen Cantwell.
We cover
What is Cyber crime – By definition, and how do we recognise it, what to look out for?
We’ve seen some big companies and organisations have cyber-attacks such as Waikato DHB, NZX, and major banks. We ask how big of a problem is this? What about farmers, Are they at risk of this? And how? Any examples? And our tips on what farmers do to make sure they’re not impacted by this for more information go to Cert NZ They have put together 11 top tips for staying safe online.
He Waka Eke Noa is about working together with farmers and growers on practical solutions to reduce Aotearoa New Zealand's emissions and build resilience to climate change. But what is it, how does it work, and what’s in it for us? Feds HWEN representative Cameron Henderson gives us the lowdown in around six minutes! A really quick introduction to a subject you are going to hear more about in the next few months. Really this is a must-listen…
From 1 June 2021, Fonterra is introducing a Co-operative Difference Payment of up to 10 cents per kilogram of milk solids (kgMS) if the farm meets the Co-op’s on-farm sustainability and value targets. It’s part of the Co-op’s strategy to add value to New Zealand milk and responds to increasing demand from customers here and around the world for sustainably produced dairy. The payment will be funded out of the Farmgate Milk Price. Today on FEDtalks we are joined by Michael Hide, Fonterra's GM of Sustainable Dairying, also Federated Farmers Dairy Policy Advisor Kerry Gray, and Share milker section Chair Aaron Passey.
A tiny contribution makes a big difference!
Meat the Need is a charity created in 2020 with the purpose of supplying the much-needed meat to City Missions and food banks. Lamb, beef, and venison is donated by farmers which is then processed, packed, and delivered to those most in need. The charity’s target this year is to receive 2,000 donated animals and with the current count at around 770, there is still a need for more donations. When you look at the big picture, one donation from your farm will make all the difference. You can read more about Meat the Need by following the link here. Or get right into it and donate now by clicking the button below.
Long Term Plan season is upon us…
New Zealand has 78 district, city, and regional councils. And each of them has begun consultations on Long Term Plans setting out proposed rates increases for the coming year and beyond. Expect cries of pain.
The high cost of council rates on farmland has always been a problem and it is a problem that seems to be forever growing.
General rates on farms can vary greatly depending on individual councils’ funding and rating systems. But a Federated Farmers survey two years ago showed that for the 2018/19 year a typical farmer paid around $16,000 to district councils and around $4,000 to regional councils.
In the last 3 years, Rural Theft accounted for millions of dollars. On average that’s 620 claims every year and an average of 12 claims a week for something stolen on-farm giving both police and insures plenty to do …
Two major pieces of legislation have kicked Southland this year…. fresh water & winter grazing legislation.
Both rules created havoc in Southland….in the middle of it all was Southland farmer and Federated Farmers vice president Bernadette Hunt.
A tough year all round, yet last night at the Primary Industries awards event Bernadette Hunt vice president of Southland Federated Farmers received the leadership award… We congratulate Bernadette and talk about what’s going on in Southland.
Building on the strength of our inaugural Summit in 2019, the Summit brings farmers and producers from across the broad range of NZ’s primary industries together policymakers and other key stakeholders to hear local and global experts and to develop solutions to the key challenges facing the primary sector.
The Primary Industries Awards provides a unique opportunity to reward excellence and celebrate success throughout the primary industries value chain.
Federated Farmers CEO Terry Copeland on what it means to be a part of PINZ (Primary Industries Awards). How and why it came about, and the unique opportunity that the PINZ provides to reward excellence. A celebration of true rural success throughout the primary industries value chain. Innovation, excellence, collaboration, PINZ brings farmers and producers from across the broad range of NZ’s primary industries together – From policy makers, regulators, and Iwi. Through to research and science communities, technologists, and agribusiness marketers, PINZ represents the inclusive value chain, and literally has it all!
Since its inception in 2006, Agrecovery has recycled and repurposed 3,000 tonnes of farm product packaging and safely disposed of over 150 tonnes of unwanted agrichemicals…and it has plans to do much more. For this week’s FedTalks podcast, Rebecca Flannery talks to Ross Sainsbury, a Matamata farmer who is a big fan of Agrecovery’s work to recycle agrichemical containers, drums and IBCs back into useful products. Also in the recording is Agrecovery’s programme co-ordinator Felicity Mitchell, talking about the collection events coming up.
The failure of a farm business can lead to the farmer and their family losing both their business and their home. For many rural communities, the failure of one farm can have a ripple effect through those communities and the regional economy.
Farmers who operate a family business often don’t have the resources to negotiate their own protections when dealing with lenders. That’s where this piece of legislation fits in.
The Bill is pragmatic where either the farmer or the bank has an ability to go and seek mediation.
Almost 12 months ago Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced the new debt mediation scheme that will help farmers in financial distress deal with their lenders.
and today we discuss what it means- and how it works with our panel …….
Federated farmers in a post COVID landscape, with Terry Copeland. The Government has set aside $19 million to boost primary sector employment in Budget 2020, but that is where the answers to farmers' most pressing questions run out. the coronavirus outbreak has thrown a spanner in the works this year, with no certainty around borders opening to potential workers for some time. It is a common situation among farmers — the dairy industry typically employs more than 5500 migrant workers, about 15 percent of its workforce. We have strong wool at an all-time low, we have droughts, floods…. And that is just the tip of the iceberg, joining us today on FED talks is CEO Terry Copeland.
Having been involved with Federated Farmers now for 17 years, starting out as the young farmer rep, and then moving into the provincial vice dairy role. Andrew Hoggard is now President. Since taken on the role just over a week ago Andrew shares his thoughts and ideas on what he would like to see achieved in his time. These include smart farming tech solutions, rural connectivity, and a reduction in compliance burden placed on farmers. "None of us went farming to fill in boxes and sit in front of computer screens all day long, we did it because we enjoy the freedom, being outdoors, the physical nature of the work and the feeling of satisfaction we get from seeing a job done well. So if I have a pet project for the next three years accepting the fact I will have to deal with whatever gets thrown at me its to try and make compliance recording less of a burden and more of an opportunity and to basically make farming fun".
FEDtalks New Zealand produces wool that is second to none. Our wool has been built on hundreds of years of breeding and animal husbandry to achieve wool types that are superior to wools produced in other countries. Much of the wool that we produce is exported for further manufacturing, yet New Zealand has all the capability and infrastructure to turn the raw product into high value products, domestically. Recently, the government has engaged with the wool industry, creating a Wool Working Group to develop a strategic framework, lift the profile and put together a plan for the future of wool. This initiative is highly commendable, and today we speak with Federated Farmers Meat and Wool industry group chair Miles Anderson
Surviving to thriving – Diary of a drought
A drought is defined as a rainfall deficit that restricts or prevents human activity – for example, farming or power generation. Extended dry periods are experienced in New Zealand most years, but whether or not they are classed as drought depends on a range of different factors. Parts of Southland and Otago are currently in the grips of a drought. In this episode, North Canterbury farmer and member of our Meat and Wool Executive Dan Hodgen talks to our host about the North Canterbury drought which lasted four years. Dan speaks from his own experiences and memories about moving from “surviving to thriving” Dan speaks about recognising trigger points, the importance of making early decisions and the actions that the North Canterbury rural community took together to thrive in adversity.
Gypsy day … The big Moove “Half a school would move away; half a school would arrive…. once a year in dairy, you learnt to make friends really quickly.” Former dairy farming school child, Waikato.
The concept of ‘Gypsy Day’ is entrenched in New Zealand dairy farming, but to be honest some of us have no idea what Gypsy Day or as it now known Moving Day is, so we investigated, with Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Chris Lewis
Two farmers have stepped up to help the growing number of families affected by food poverty.
Meat the Need is a new charity set up by Siobhan O’Malley and Wayne Langford to provide a way for farmers to give livestock to food banks and city missions.
Join us as we speak with Federated Farmers vice president Andrew Hoggard about how our economy can recover from COVID-19. The importance of rural connectivity, and why small scale community water storage is essential.
Katie chats about connectivity and what it is to be an essential service during this lockdown period from her farm at Lake Brunner, West Coast.