Disregarding the social and economic effects of the proposed water reforms is a recipe for disaster, warns Federated Farmers Waikato president Andrew McGiven.

Fonterra's farmgate milk price forecast upgrade was a welcome surprise although indicators were heading that way, says Federated Farmers dairy chair Chris Lewis.

Farmers continue to oppose agriculture entering the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Farmers are flabbergasted to learn that Fonterra borrowed money to pay dividends over the last few years.

Farmers are welcoming the appointment of Tararua farmer Mel Poulton to the position of Special Agricultural Trade Envoy for New Zealand.

Federated Farmers says it is “puzzled and frustrated” by the Ministry for the Environment’s (MfE) failure to immediately release the peer review of Essential Freshwater nutrient band technical reports.

Farmers must stay active and engaged with the submission process, says Federated Farmers environment and water spokesman Chris Allen.

Federated Farmers president Katie Milne says the two-week extension for submitting on the freshwater discussion document is a start.

Farmers say they recognise they have ultimate responsibility of stock traceability, and want the National Animal Identification and Traceability system (NAIT) to work.

The days are gone when you may wear on a farm the shoes you have worn on overseas trips, says Feds biosecurity spokeswoman Karen Williams.