Ann Thompson - Federated Farmers Golden Bay
WorkSafe on-farm visits
These continue, and include checking machinery is in good working order, safe to use, PTO covers in place and service records up to date. If machinery is serviced in-house, it’s essential this is all recorded.
Papa Taiao Mohua Future Farmers
Several members of Federated Farmers attended the prizegiving of Papa Taiao Mohua Future Farmers. All students were presented with a Federated Farmers’ lunch bag and cap, and a free year’s membership of FFNZ. I wrote of this scheme, here, last month.
Discussion at our meeting expressed disappointment that local schools still regard this scheme, and agriculture studies in general, as useful only for those whom they deem as disruptive or non-academic.
We say that offering up all these practical studies will help all students. Understanding what the sector offers and what skills are needed allows all students more choice in careers. It was excellent to hear from tutor, Miriam Sherratt, that the course will be offered again next year. Already double the number of students have enrolled and we look forward to supporting them.
Prizewinners: Bailey Heuvel, Federated Farmers’ Agricultural Prize for Collingwood Area School; Kane Funnell, Top of the South Trades Academy Prize; Paige Baigent, Federated Farmers’ Agricultural Prize for Golden Bay High School. Bailey also received a pack of fencing equipment from Golden Bay Fencing to start him out as a fencer.
Reports
Pax Leetch, giving his Meat & Wool report, stressed that wilding pines are of huge concern to the national Council, as are ongoing issues with school buses and pest control. Tyler Langford said the Dairy Council appreciated the independent analyses Forsyth Barr provided to the Council on Fonterra’s proposed sale of its brands. Mark Tubman, Sharemilkers’ Section representative, noted that, with the current payout and rising expenses, there is some call across the Section for payment for Contract Milkers to be increased. This will need to be discussed by both this Section and its counterpart, the Sharemilker Farm Owners’ Section.
NZ Dairy Industry Awards
Yes, it’s time for Share Farmers (sharemilkers, contract milkers, equity partners, lessee), Farm Managers and Dairy Trainees to consider entering these Awards. Robert Rosser, who farms in Upper Takaka, knows a bit about the Awards as he has entered, had the privilege of having a worker on his farm enter the Dairy Trainee category, andhas also judged.
For those who enter, he says “the value of networking with banks, leaders in the sector and other entrants cannot be rated highly enough when it comes to rising through your business. Contestants also learn so much – my Dairy Trainee came back from the finals well skilled! And they are rewarded with amazing prizes. Encouraging someone on your farm to enter is great too, as they come to understand your business and it inspires them to take the next step in their career.” Entries must be in by 6th December.
See dairyindustryawards.co.nz for more information.
Christmas lunch
And finally, the Christmas lunch for Golden Bay Federated Farmers is being held at the Anatoki Salmon Farm, 10th December. All members and their families are welcome.
