Edition 11 - March 12, 2010

Dear Members,

The Executive Council meeting this week was a great opportunity to debate and decide on the way forward for the next few months. We were lucky to have this meeting in Griffith, and what an amazing opportunity that town provided in understanding issues facing so many of our commodities.

It was wonderful to meet so many locals at our Member forum, and I particularly want to congratulate Roy Stacy, Secretary of the Griffith District Council. Roy is celebrating 40 years in this role, which is an awe inspiring commitment to our Association.

My key message to EC this week was the need we have to be careful, particularly in our dealings with Government. I am very concerned that we have received several indications from particularly the Federal Government, but also the media and some farmers that the single voice of a farmer is worth more in policy making decisions than our collective voice. If so, this makes it a very dangerous time for us. Decisions pending such as new drought policy, a plan for the Murray Darling Basin and beef importation rules all need the input of your Association, because our views are those democratically decided upon by our elected representatives. These policies are made after a robust and strong process, and to suggest certain individuals should carry more weight ignores the significance of this process.

The Property Rights Campaign continues in legal advice, case studies, regulations to the Native Vegetation Act and other areas. We are working on a new plan to adopt the Every Family Needs a Farmer Campaign developed by AgForce in Queensland, another way to change the mindset of urban Australia.

The Federal election campaigns, to be followed by a State election present the Association with an enormous opportunity to gain commitment from all sides of politics. To have an impact requires us to continue building on the involvement from people of all walks of life, which is why we are continuing in our efforts to reconnect with urban Australia.

I'll conclude with a brief mention of the significant rainfall many of us have received in the past fortnight. How wonderful driving into Griffith on Monday to see water on paddocks and irrigation channels bursting. While some of us are experiencing or expecting damage due to flooding, I think its fair to say that for those who received the rain the sight of that water has gladdened the heart and rekindled optimism.

I am as ever aware that many of us did not receive this rain, and to you I say our thoughts and hopes are with you for good rain. We are of course here for you whatever happens in the rain gauges.
 
Until next fortnight,
Charles Armstrong

Click here to visit the NSW Farmers' YouTube channel, where you can find video and audio clips from the rally

Upcoming Events

March 2010

President Charles Armstrong is due to attend many events and various meetings during March - including:

• ABARE Outlook Conference in Canberra
• Beef Spectacular at Dubbo
• Regional Community Survival Group meeting at Tottenham
• Chair the Executive Council meeting in Griffith
• Region 10 Electeds Forum at Wagga Wagga
• Lunchtime meeting with Members at Beckom
• Attend the Barmedman District Council AGM and Dinner
• Meet with Members at lunchtime at Grenfell
• Dubbo District Council AGM
• District Council meeting Trangie/Narromine
• Attend Mining Taskforce meeting in Gunnedah
• Premer Sorghum Field Day
• Attend Finance & Audit Committee meeting
• Deliver Occasional Address at Graduation Ceremony at Charles Sturt University, Orange Campus
• Attend Goulburn District Council lunch
• Crookwell District Council dinner
• Attend Agricultural Ministerial Advisory Council meeting

• Other Association Events

Click here to go to the calendar of upcoming Association or related events

Important Information

New Member Campaign - Join now!
The Association is offering 15 months of Membership for the price of 12 months to people who join the Association between now and 13 November 2009. Existing Members who introduce people to the Association and who then sign up and become a financial Member (irrespective of the membership type) will have their Membership extended by 3 months when their renewal dates occurs.  Join now and become a member of the Association that continues to successfully represent the interests and needs of farmers across the NSW.

Click here for further information

Previous Member Newsletters

From the President's Desk

• Edition 1 
• Edition 2
• Edition 3
• Edition 4
• Edition 5
• Edition 6
• Edition 7
• Edition 8
• Edition 9
• Edition 10