Federated Farmers
Federated Farmers, New Zealand’s leading independent rural advocacy organisation, has established a news and insights partnership with AgriHQ, the country’s leading rural publisher, to give the farmers of New Zealand a more informed, united and stronger voice. Feds news and commentary appears each week in its own section of the Farmers Weekly print edition and online.
Timaru to Tokyo: growing carrots for juice in Japan
The Tayler brothers, who farm around 1000ha, also grow process potatoes for Bluebird Foods and McCain.
Call for Environment Southland to focus on ‘real risks’
Given it’s clear regulations are on the way out, it would be baffling if farmers were forced to gain consent for certain wintering activities, farming body says.
‘Less stick, more carrot’ needed in Manawatū-Rangitīkei
A Kiwitea farmer has branded Horizons Regional Council as "totally out of touch".
Honouring arable’s best and brightest
Nominations are open for Grower of the Year in maize, cereal and seed categories, and a team of judges will select one of these winners as 2024 Arable Farmer of the Year.
Farm pay stays competitive in tough times
Federated Farmers says the survey underlines why jobs in agriculture are not only satisfying but offer a clear career pathway.
Warning to prevent low feed cover disputes
Disputes arise every year between sharemilkers and farm owners, but decent planning and communication will usually prevent any problems, says Sam Ebbett.
Government ends war on farming
Federated Farmers strongly believe winter grazing, stock exclusion and on-farm biodiversity can be better managed through the upcoming roll-out of farm plans.
Southland’s rates heading north
On top of looming rates hikes, Southland's “one bucket” approach to catchment management is deeply concerning for Federated Farmers.
Farm plans must be practical and cost-effective
Farmers will be cautiously optimistic about this news, Federated Farmers says.
Immigration changes a Ministerial misstep?
Federated Farmers seek clarity over new work visa rules.
Otago charging ahead with rule changes
Federated Farmers disappointed with Otago Regional Council’s decision to plough on with its land and water plan.
Understanding India our first task, says envoy
Farmers who still roll their eyes at Fonterra’s Scope 3 emissions or Silver Fern Farms’ low-carbon supply chain ambitions need a reality check, ag trade envoy Hamish Marr says.
Methane review a major win for farmers
Reducing emissions is how we prevent warming, but it’s important to remember not all emissions have the same warming impact, writes Wayne Langford.
Rural mums launch kids’ clothing line
Waikato dairy farmer Tania Moss and good friend Nicole Kidd have started a children’s activewear brand.
Feed support for drought-hit farmers
Federated Farmers leaders from Marlborough, Otago, Manawatū-Rangitīkei and Wairarapa have reported plenty of farmers have paddocks of dead or dying grass, and they’ve been forced to use winter feed.
Court ruling leaves Ashburton irrigators in limbo
An advocacy group, Environmental Law Initiative, sought a judicial review of the decision in the High Court last year.
Contract milking: what I’d do differently
Danielle Hovmand and Sam Ebbett share top tips for new contract milkers.
Parliament to probe rural banking
Parliament announces that it is kicking off an investigation into rural banking.
Bank’s advice for cheaper farm interest rate
Banker Aidan Gent from ASB gives advice to farmers for cheaper farm interest rates.
Community pressure forces ECan backdown
Calls to save an Ashburton creek have Federated Farmers support.
DOC cuts must not include wild animal control: Feds
Wayne Langford says it would be short-sighted and irresponsible of DOC to take that money from urgently needed wild animal control work.
Why I’m no longer selling my wool at auction
The farmer is left to carry the loss alone while shearers, exporters and manufacturers make the money, writes Toby Williams.
Councils reach for farmers’ back pockets
Federated Farmers concerned councils will reach for farmers' back pockets.
Feds push for fairer arable dealings
With disputes becoming more common, the industry needs new standards.
Recycled railway carriages get farmer back on track
Railway carriages repurposed for bridges for those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle last year.
Big win for Federated Farmers’ advocacy
Big win for Federated Farmers advocacy as SNA rules will be suspended.
Federated Farmers back fast-track consents
Feds says consents are a major issue that’s holding back the investment desperately needed to unlock the potential of our rural and provincial communities.
No point rushing Taranaki freshwater rules
A Taranaki dairy farmer and Feds board member says it would be wise to let the dust settle before making decisions and locking in additional costs for the community.
Farm confidence a mixed bag
Federated Farmers says the new Government’s commitment to making sure the regulation affecting farmers is workable and practical has brought a lot of positivity for farmers.
Can the last shearer out please turn off the lights?
Each farmer will make their own decisions about what’s right for them, but on my own farm we’ve reached a real turning point this season, writes Toby Williams.
Rural confidence rises from rock bottom
Federated Farmers remain optimistic as new survey results show growing farmer confidence, despite challenging times.
Save the wails for whales, Greenpeace
Alan Emerson is really happy that what he calls a ‘fringe lobby group’ is being held to account.
High hopes for water storage projects
Wairarapa residents are hoping that the stalled Wakamoekau community dam project, or some of it, could soon be reviewed.
Environment Canterbury rates and pillages
Call for Central Government to urgently step in to force a pause on changes to regional freshwater rules until new national policy direction are confirmed.
Honesty needed in climate targets
NZ’s climate policy should look at the practical reality the world faces, not what we wish would happen in a perfect world, Federated Farmers says.
Maize maze cultivates farm connections
Matamata farmers open up four hectares of maize to the public.
Otago Feds urge council to pause draft plan
Federated Farmers urging Otago Regional Council to hit pause on poor land and water plans.
More effluent dumps ‘a no-brainer’
Call to prioritise the lack of effluent dumps across New Zealand 'causing thousands of litres of effluent a week to be discharged directly onto our roads'.
Farmers back Bluff to Cape charity row
Farmers grab their oars to raise funds for Lions Cancer Trust mobile ‘skin check’ clinics.
Banking inquiry: ‘Let’s get it underway’
Federated Farmers says a lot of farmers feel uncertain about whether or not banking rates are too high because of the lack of transparency.
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