Federated Farmers

'Exciting chapter' for dairy

Trading Among Farmers could be the start of a "highly innovative and exciting chapter" in Fonterra's history, Federated Farmers dairy chairman Willy Leferink believes.

Outlook less dire than feared

While he acknowledges the 2012-13 season will be tough for farmers, Federated Farmers national president Bruce Wills believes it will not be as dire as some speculations.

Farmers and ORC talk water

Federated Farmers national president Bruce Wills estimates he probably spends half his time on water and environmental issues.

Criticism irks council

The Otago Regional Council has invited the Federated Farmers dairy chairman to visit Otago after he criticised the council's approach to water-quality regulations at a national conference last week.

Must not 'wind back clock', Federated Farmers head says

The growth of New Zealand's economy and the ability to offer more and better jobs comes from growing businesses, not halting agriculture, Federated Farmers national president Bruce Wills says.

Policies described as 'schizophrenic'

Federated Farmers dairy chairman Willy Leferink has attacked what he calls "schizophrenic" policies from the Government and opposition parties.

Farmers vote for trading

Fonterra is still working towards a November launch for Trading Among Farmers but that will be dependent on market conditions, chairman Sir Henry van der Heyden says.

Deep divisions over TAF proposal

Debate continues to rage over Fonterra's controversial Trading Among Farmers proposal, with Federated Farmers dairy chairman Willy Leferink saying the lobbying from all sides is "frankly unbelievable".

Trading debate means all informed

Debate over the controversial Trading Among Farmers scheme has to be a good thing, North Otago Federated Farmers president Richard Strowger says.

'Huge consequences' from water plan changes

Proposed changes to the Otago Regional Council's water plan have knocked North Otago "from every side", North Otago Federated Farmers president Richard Strowger says.

Farmers' head issues lower milk price warning

Dairy farmers should begin preparing for a potentially lower milk price forecast for the 2012-13 season, Federated Farmers dairy chairman Willy Leferink warned yesterday.

Concern over water plan

Concern over water plan

Otago Federated Farmers has warned the Otago Regional Council that its proposed water quality plan changes could "blow up and become a nightmare".

Don't panic: Federated Farmers

Fonterra's decision to drop its milk payout forecast for the 2011-12 season by 45c is no reason to panic, Federated Farmers says.

High country policy criticised

High country policy criticised

Labour's proposal to hike high country property rents and drop the tenure review process in favour of direct acquisition is "tantamount to confiscation", Federated Farmers national board member William Rolleston says.

Call to double research funds

New Zealand's investment in science, research and development, at present about 1.2% of GDP, should be more than doubled, Federated Farmers believes.

Freshwater report 'seriously limited': Federated Farmers

A report by the Auditor-general on freshwater quality management by four regional councils - including Environment Southland - has been described by Federated Farmers as unhelpful and "seriously limited by its own limitations".

Federation unconvinced about Nait

Federated Farmers will maintain very close scrutiny of the National Animal Identification and Tracing (Nait) scheme, its effectiveness and cost, saying it is still "highly dubious of the claimed benefits".