Tractor safety A few things we've learnt - Supporting our future leaders - FMG
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March 2019
Tractor safety
A few things we’ve learnt
Supporting our
future leaders
Young farmers and growers
Page 6
Wellbeing is top of mind
for younger farmers
Page 7 Tractor Safety, page 3
FMG POST | MARCH 2019 1
Director
nominations
In August FMG will hold
its 114th AGM.
Note from FMG’s Director Appointment &
Reappointment Policy (the Policy)
Chris Black
requires a third of all Member
Directors retire by rotation at each
year’s AGM. This year Steve Allen
and Geoff Copstick are due to
retire by rotation and both will be
standing for re-election.
rather than one that is via an agent
The Policy sets out the criteria
or broker—another area of tension
for the evaluation of prospective
highlighted in the RBNZ/FMA report. There
directors, as well as sitting
are, nonetheless, important reminders
directors.
for us in the report. However, we’re well
placed given the high ethical standards Any member nominations must
inherent in a mutual model. be made in accordance with the
procedure set out in the FMG
Moreover, FMG is a closed system. We Constitution and are subject to the
don’t pay dividends, but rather add the process outlined in the Policy,
modest profits we make to reserves to which can be obtained by calling
meet regulatory capital requirements and FMG’s General Counsel Lisa Murray
ensure the Mutual has a strong balance on 021 684 824 or emailing her at
sheet to support clients when adversity lisa.murray@fmg.co.nz
strikes. We also have an important role to
play through investing in and supporting At the 2019 AGM, we’ll provide an
New Zealand’s rural community. This update on how we’re going as a
edition of FMG Post showcases a number mutual. All members are invited
You may have seen or heard of examples of this including the FMG to attend and vote at the AGM,
about a recent report from the NZ Young Farmer Contest, the NZ Young which will be held at Cross
Reserve Bank of NZ (RBNZ) and Grower of the Year and Farmstrong. We Recreation Centre, 18 Glasgow
Financial Markets Authority are proud to be alongside events and Street, Balclutha on Friday,
initiatives like these, which make an 23 August 2019. Alternatively,
(FMA) into the culture and members can vote through the
conduct of the NZ Life important contribution to the rural sector.
proxy form that will be sent with
Insurance industry. the Notice of Meeting.
It is critical and highlights—as a core
issue—the inherent conflict of having
Nominations must be received
commissions and incentives linked to the
no later than Wednesday, 1 May
sale of life insurance products. The report
2019 and can be submitted to
makes reference to a broader concern Chris Black Lisa Murray via:
about insurance companies not putting Chief Executive, FMG
their customers’ interests first. Email: lisa.murray@fmg.co.nz
Post: PO Box 521, Wellington 6140
A lengthy Royal Commission of inquiry in
Australia, identified similar culture and
conduct issues in their financial services
sector including banking, investment
management and insurance.
Having read and reflected on both these Calling all dairy farmers
reports, I think they serve to reinforce the As we head towards the end of the season and
value of a mutual model. With our mutual milk prices are reforecast, now is a good time
model we only have salaried employees. to review your milk sum insured value.
None of them are on commission and we
always have our clients’ best interests Please give us a call on 0800 366 466
front and centre in both the life and to confirm that you have the right level
general insurance sides of our business. of cover.
Furthermore, we have elected to have
a direct relationship with every client,
2 FMG POST | MARCH 2019
Tractor safety 1 in 5
Claims are from
Here’s what we’ve learnt objects falling from
a front end loader
The most frequent cause of
tractor damage comes from
FMG provides insurance cover for over 30,000 tractors around the objects falling from the front
country. Last year an average of 15 tractors a week were involved end loader. This damage usually
in damaging accidents, with rollovers being a leading cause of occurs to the bonnet area or cab
significant tractor damage. and windscreen of the tractor. The
most commonly dropped objects
With the increasing use of front end are branches, hay/baleage and
LOW, OR
loaders at this time of the year, here’s a buckets, forks or grabs that aren’t
timely reminder of the risks we’ve seen. properly attached.
Tips to avoid rollovers KEEP IT
• Drive with the front end loader as low
as safely possible to maintain a lower
centre of gravity, especially if carrying
a load.
KEEP IT
SLOW 1 in 10
• Avoid driving around corners with Claims are from
the front end loader up, especially if tractors rolling or
carrying a load. Keep an eye out for more tractor sliding into a drain
• Reduce ground speed before turning advice or gully
into a corner. Even a small reduction in We’ll be sharing more tips with
Rollovers are a leading cause of
speed has a significant reduction on the tractor owners in regions where we’ve
significant damage. Using a front
forces causing a tractor to roll. experienced higher claim numbers
end loader changes the centre of
for tractor rollovers, to help minimise
• Be conscious of the centre of gravity gravity and balance of a tractor
damage.
and balance of towed trailers/wagons/ making it more likely to roll or
spreaders etc., especially on hill For more information on tractor safety, tip. This could put you and your
country. The tractor may be stable, but please view our Tractor Advice Guide tractor out of work leading to lost
an unstable trailer has the potential to under the Advice section on our website: time, injury or worse.
pull the tractor down with it. www.fmg.co.nz
The Fair The Code sets out industry best-practice standards for ICNZ
members. It describes what level of service you can expect
Insurance Code from your first contact with us as your insurer through to
claim time.
As a member of the Insurance
It also provides information on complaints procedures and
Council of New Zealand (ICNZ), helps to hold ICNZ members to higher standards of service
FMG adheres to the Fair in all their dealings. To learn more about the Code, head to
Insurance Code. www.icnz.org.nz and search Fair Insurance Code.
FMG POST | MARCH 2019 3
Forest Growers Levy vote
In March/April 2019, forest owners will be able to vote to renew the Forest Growers Levy for another
6 years from late 2019 to 2025. They will also have an opportunity to say how the levy should be
invested to benefit forest growers.
About the levy Scion has resulted in the design of
The levy has been operating since 2013, sophisticated software that can more
when forest growers voted for all growers accurately predict what forest fires are
to contribute to a fund that would going to do, allowing fire fighters to target
support the expanding forest industry. the fire more effectively.
If you’ve harvested a forest, you’ll have
paid 27 cents in levy for every tonne of
Eligibility to vote Safeguarding your forestry
To be eligible to vote, a forest owner block
wood you harvested. The money is spent
on projects to support New Zealand’s needs to own more than four contiguous Now that we’re in mid-March, the
forestry industry. For example; tree hectares of trees, which could be risk of forest fires has reduced.
breeding, forest health, biosecurity and harvested during the 6-year life of the next This means that FMG is now able
forest and seedling management. Levy Order (late 2019–2025). This means to provide farm forestry block
they need to have been planted before 1 cover.
Government funding has supplemented
December 2008. For more information on FMG’s
levy investment, such as major
improvements to the mechanisation How to vote Forestry policy, call us on
of harvesting, leading to productivity You’ll be able to register to vote from 12 0800 366 466 or visit our website
increases and making harvesting less March at the following website: at www.fmg.co.nz
hazardous. Also, fire research through www.forestvoice.org.nz
Win one of five
$50 Farmlands
vouchers
As your insurer, let us know your top tip
Lifestyle block tips
for living rurally. All tips will go into a draw
to win one of five $50 Farmlands vouchers.
from the FMG team
We’ll also publish these in our next issue
of FMG Post.
To be in to win, enter your tip on our
We insure thousands of lifestyle blocks all over New Zealand website at www.fmg.co.nz/tips
by Friday, 12 April 2019.
and also have first-hand experience of what’s involved.
We live in the rural and provincial communities we support. We have employees who grew up on farms, some still on farms and
others on lifestyle blocks too. If you also have a lifestyle block, we thought we’d share some tips from our FMG team who are
lifestyle block owners.
• Get to know your neighbours—you’ll • Do things in stages—be patient and • People seem to want to visit you more
be surprised how often you’ll need research projects before jumping in. when you live in the country, so be
each other. • Maintain your infrastructure or you’ll prepared for guests and keep your
forever be doing repairs. pantry well stocked.
• Water is essential—collect as much
as you can and consider putting in • Spend money on good fencing— • Ensure grass is suitable for animals—
extra tanks. maintain them and ensure they’re rye grass can be bad for horses in the
suitable for the intended purpose. spring/summer.
• Always plan ahead—avoid stress by
making sure you have enough feed for • Enjoy what you have. Take time to walk • Buy the best gumboots you can. They’ll
stock in case of drought. around and enjoy your block. be the best pair of shoes you invest in.
4 FMG POST | MARCH 2019
CLIENT FOCUS
The Shear
Brilliance
of NZ Wool
Part 2
In the last FMG Post we
introduced you to Southern
Hawke’s Bay Farmers Hamish
and Bay de Lautour, whose Weekend in a Woolshed.
legacy among the NZ sheep
industry continues to be
admired to this day.
The journey started in 1956, on a
particularly scrubby 2,250 acres in the Te
Uri district, where Bay would later breed
some of the most progressive Romneys in In 2016, Bay de Lautour was awarded the Laurie Dowling
Memorial for Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture in
the country. Hawke’s Bay.
This passion continues in the de Latour Wool has been used by humans for 4,000
family, as the pair—and others like years so it’s easy for the competition to
them—challenge the over use of synthetic say it’s ‘old technology.’
fibres, and seek to rebuild what was once
the truly iconic Kiwi brand of NZ Wool. The reality is that wool is one of the most
complex natural fibres, capable of a
A unique and incredible fibre multitude of feats.
“One of the great disappointments of
“When faced with the choice of using oil One of Hamish’s proudest achievements was creating the
sheep farming has been the demise of the Primary Wool Cooperative’s Premier Feature at the 2011
sucked from the earth to make products
value of wool,” says Hamish. NZ National Agricultural Fieldays. It was a passionate
that can be nothing short of deadly in a statement about wool as a supreme natural fibre.
This is something that most sheep farmers fire, freezing when wet, a 100% natural
can relate to and what is really quite fibre that will grow over again on the same From the Bowen Brothers’ infamous
a shame, given that on almost every animal, keep you naturally warm even and ground breaking sheep shearing
occasion, wool fibre is undoubtedly when wet and totally protect you in case technique, to holding some of the highest
superior in every way. of fire, the answer is so simple...it has to quality and animal welfare standards in
be wool.” the world, it’s clear that New Zealand
It’s quite obvious what has leads the pack when it comes to wool.
happened to wool. Humans Telling the good story—the Every agribusiness should be supporting
campaign for wool things that are good for their clients,
love change, we have a herd The goal for Hamish is to not only help tell good for the economy and good for the
mentality when following trends the great story of NZ Wool, but also make environment—that’s NZ wool to a tee.
and fashion and by necessity it trendy, something Merino has done well
we are cost conscious. So when within the apparel industry. “Merino has
The benefits of wool
the newest, trendy, cheaper and become synonymous, with high fashion
• Naturally resistant to stains.
and safe healthy kids clothing.”
well marketed product comes on • 100% biodegradable.
the market, it “You can tell people till you are blue in the
• Naturally resistant to fire, unlike
face, but when farmers themselves still
is going to buy synthetic carpet you know you have
synthetics, which require toxic
sell. got a battle.”
flame retardants.
• Non allergenic and resistant to
Through Primary Wool Cooperative bacteria growth.
funding, Hamish and Bay were
• Multi-climatic—wool acclimatises
involved in the Campaign for
to its surroundings.
Wool initiative, ‘Weekend in a
Woolshed’, a 3-day workshop held • Durable and elastic—wool fibre
at Ngamatea Station, one of the can be bent 20,000 times without
largest high country sheep stations breaking.
in the North Island. This is where • Naturally high UV protection.
nine emerging designers were • Breathable and naturally insulating.
tasked with creating innovative
• Moisture resistant.
solutions using wool.
FMG POST | MARCH 2019 5
REGIONAL COMPETITIONS
Supporting our future leaders 9 & 13 February
Bay of Plenty Young Fruit
in farming and growing Grower of the Year
Winner: Alex Ashe
We want to give back where it counts, so FMG is proud to support 10 May
a number of rural competitions that identify and develop young NZ Young Vegetable
leaders in farming and growing. Grower of the Year
24 May
Young Grower of the Year Competition details Central Otago Young Fruit
FMG is adding Fruit and vegetable growers compete in Grower of the Year
further support to six separate regional competitions. The
future growers by winners then meet at the Final in October in 27 & 28 June
Tauranga, to compete for the title of Young Hawke’s Bay Young Fruit
sponsoring the Young Grower of the Year— Grower of the Year
an annual competition run by Horticulture Grower of the Year 2019.
New Zealand (HortNZ) to find the finest The finalists will rotate their way through 5 July
young fruit or vegetable grower in the business and practical activities. They’ll Nelson Young Fruit
country. also take part in the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Grower of the Year
Leadership Panel, giving their views on a
FMG’s support of Young contemporary leadership issue. 11 July
Grower is excellent, both for the Gisborne Young Fruit
Young Horticulturist of the Year Grower of the Year
competition and for the industry as The winner of Young Grower of the Year
a whole—it’s a perfect match. then goes on to compete for their share To find out more about the Young
Mike Chapman, CEO Horticulture of $40,000 worth of prizes at the Young Grower of the Year head to their
New Zealand Horticulturist of the Year. website at: www.younggrower.co.nz
YOUR GUIDE TO THE
GRAND FINAL 2019
Thursday, 4 July – 3pm
Opening ceremony and parade
Napier Sound shell
Friday, 5 July – 8am–3pm
FMG Young Farmer of the Year in teams of two, there will be a greater
Practical day
mix between practical and theoretical
Now into our fourth Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds
modules—a great stepping stone for
year as the principle
entering the FMG Young Farmer of the Year.
sponsor of this iconic Friday, 5 July – 5pm–6:30pm
event, we’re excited to Having AgriKidsNZ, the FMG Junior Young FMG Junior Young Farmer
see some changes to Farmer of the Year and FMG Young Farmer of of the Year prizegiving
New Zealand’s longest- the Year all part of the same event, will also Napier Municipal Theatre
running agricultural contest. help lift the prestige of the students.
Friday, 5 July – 6:30pm–8:30pm
The revamp is designed to entice more How it works
FMG Young Farmer of the Year
people to enter, better reflect modern day Throughout the country, 20 District Finals are Speeches and Sponsor Function
farming and to help showcase the country’s held between October and December. The Napier Municipal Theatre
food story. Awards for the highest-scoring top contestants from each District Contest
competitor in each of the five challenges— and Skills Day progress through to their local Saturday, 6 July – 8am–2:30pm
from agri-business to agri-skills—are Regional Final. The seven regional finalists FMG Young Farmer of the
being replaced with new awards assessing will compete in the FMG Young Farmer of Year Technical Day
contestants’ skills and knowledge across the Year Grand Final in July. There are two Napier Boys High School
innovation, food, people, environment parts with the Practical Day throughout the
and technology. morning and an evening show. Saturday, 6 July – 5:30pm–12am
FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year Tickets FMG Young Farmer of the Year
Quiz and Awards Evening Show
The TeenAg competition has been renamed To secure tickets for the remaining Regional Rodney Green Centennial
the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year. Finals and the Grand Final head to Events Centre
While TeenAg competitors will still compete www.fmgyoungfarmercontest.co.nz
6 FMG POST | MARCH 2019
www.farmstrong.co.nz
Wellbeing is top of mind Things
for younger farmers that would
contribute
In early 2018, Farmstrong commissioned research to better
understand the wellbeing needs of men and women under 35 years most to
of age working in farming. The research also asked which wellbeing improved
topics interested them most and the things they thought would
improve their wellbeing.
wellbeing
Survey findings
Close to 900 younger farmers completed
Communication channels
The research also shed light on the best
MEN
the survey that showed 84% of women communication channels for younger
44%
and 74% of men wanted to invest in ways farmers. Social media, particularly
to improve their wellbeing. Farmstrong Facebook and Snapchat, was noted as
Ambassador Sam Whitelock, who is also a key vehicle for providing information
more time off the
in the younger farmer age group and plans and social connection. Local newspapers
farm – including
to return to farming when his rugby days also remain important, with close to 50%
by myself or with
are over, was very pleased with the high regularly reading them, with Farmers
the family
response to the study. Weekly the most popular.
The survey findings have provided rich
data for understanding the wellbeing
needs of younger farmers—an area that Interest in 33%
getting more/
has not been well researched. This can
now be used by Farmstrong and others to wellbeing better quality
inform their efforts to help farmers and
growers improve their wellbeing.
topics sleep
Wellbeing challenges MEN WOMEN
Workload, fatigue, relationships,
sleep and time off farm, are some of Men expressed ‘high’ interest
the key wellbeing challenges facing
younger farmers today. The research
in the following topics: 39%
also reinforced the correlation between 23% thinking strategies to deal getting more/
wellbeing and risk of injury/accident, with ups and downs of farming better quality
with two-thirds reporting that a wellbeing sleep
issue had contributed to one of their 23% how to be happy
worst on-farm accidents or injuries in the
last 12 months.
22% people skills/
communication skills 31%
Younger women reported higher levels getting more
of wellbeing issues than the men, and 22% staff management.
exercise
the effect was more pronounced for
sharemilkers and contract milkers.
It’s great to see younger
WOMEN 28%
farmers putting weight behind Women expressed ‘high’ more time off
looking after themselves. interest in: the farm
Investing in your wellbeing is key 32% nutrition
to managing pressure whether
it’s in professional sport or on 28% how to be happy
28%
eating
the farm. The study results show 27% self-confidence, healthier
that there is a real appetite self-worth, self-compassion
among younger farmers to learn 26% thinking strategies to
and do more in this area. deal with ups and downs Find out more: A summary report
Sam Whitelock, on the full results can be found at
26% exercise. www.farmstrong.co.nz/research
Farmstrong Ambassador
FMG POST | MARCH 2019 7
Tips to help
reduce your
Planning on ‘AirBnB-ing’ risks
your property?
1. Most sites let you check guest
reviews, so aim to only host
those with positive feedback.
Renting your place out can be a great way to earn some extra 2. Secure valuable items such
income, or give people a taste of rural life. Before handing over the as jewellery, technology and
keys it’s important to let us, as your insurer, confirm you’ve got the artwork in a locked cupboard
right cover in place to safeguard your most important asset. or safe.
3. Take a security deposit from
your guests to cover you in case
Insurance Under our Household Contents policy*, of minor damage.
Some accommodation services, such your contents are automatically covered 4. Check smoke alarms,
as AirBnB, offer insurance cover. It's for theft or malicious damage caused by switchboards, chimneys and
important to read these policies to see paying guests, up to $5,000 for any one appliances are in good nick
what you are and are not covered for. event. before leaving.
AirBnB, for example, offers automatic Long-term rental of your home 5. Any payments you receive for
Host Protection insurance, which provides If you’re planning on doing this more providing accommodation is
some liability cover. It also has a Host regularly, or for a longer period, this could taxable and must be included in
Guarantee covering accidental damage to be classed as a rental or commercial your tax return.
your home and contents up to $1 million property. This means you would need
USD. different cover. There are also conditions
around the number of people If you’re thinking of renting
An example of what it doesn't cover staying and amount of profit out your home, give us a call on
however, is theft. FMG offers protection you can earn. 0800 366 466 to find out if you
for you in this area. have the correct cover in place.
*Disclaimer: This is only a summary of the product and subject to our policy wording and underwriting criteria. For full details,
call us on 0800 366 466 or visit our website www.fmg.co.nz
Calendar
23 March 27–29 March 28 March 28–30 March 6 April
FMG Young FMG Young
South Island Hawke’s Bay
Farmer of the Year NZ Shearing Farmer of the Year
Agricultural Farmer of the
Waikato/BOP Champs Taranaki/Manawatu
Field Days Year Awards
Regional Final Te Kuiti Regional Final
Kirwee Hastings
Matamata Whanganui
13 April 6–11 May 27 May–1 June 12–15 June 26–28 June
FMG Young Farmer South Island NZ & North Island National
Apiculture
of the Year East Dog Trial Dog Trial Agricultural
Conference
Coast Regional Final Championships Championships Fieldays
Rotorua
Dannevirke Canterbury Northland Hamilton
Call us on Email us at
0800 366 466 contact@fmg.co.nz
Write to us at Visit our website
PO Box 1943 www.fmg.co.nz
Palmerston North
4440 FarmersMutualGroup
8 FMG POST | MARCH 2019
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