ATS Newsbrief October 2013
By now the clean-up from last month’s devastating winds is well underway, with repairs to irrigation, fencing and buildings in full swing. While the true financial cost of the wind storm remains unknown, the visual impact on the district will leave permanent scars for generations, with thousands of trees literally wiped out. The event not only left thousands without power, but tested emergency services, who risked life and limb to help others. By nature, farmers are a resilient bunch and while Mother Nature’s recent powerful display is undoubtedly frustrating, it’s just one of a long list of challenges Neal Shaw, Group CEO farmers face regularly. Outside of dramatic weather events (drought, snow, floods and wind), farmers have to deal with constant problems with bureaucracy, commodity prices, interest rates and biosecurity threats, all of which are out of their immediate control. Recent media coverage surrounding the roadside spill of grass seed in Mid Canterbury containing the invasive black grass or meadow fox tail, an invader of winter crops in Britain and Europe, has served to further heighten the potential risk the agriculture sector is at in terms of a biosecurity outbreak. The challenges of life on the farm are far from easy, but in true Kiwi can-do fashion, the farming community bounce back time and time again. It’s the very nature of the agricultural industry, and there is nothing to suggest this time it will be any different.
Annual General Meeting—First Notice
Upcoming Events
22 October & 19 November Farm Safety Manual and Training for Ruralco Cardholders For more information or to RSVP, call Unique Solutions on 03 423 2273 or online at www.ats.co.nz/farmsafety
28 October Labour Day ATS will be closed Saturday 26 to Monday 28 October. If members have any emergency requirements the duty manager can be reached on 03 307 5100 or 027 487 6865.
1 & 2 November Ashburton A&P Show Please come join us at the ATS marquee for lunch. Don’t forget your Ruralco Card as you’ll need it for admittance.
15 November Canterbury Anniversary ATS will be closed Friday 15 to Sunday 17 November. If members have any emergency requirements the duty manager can be reached on 03 307 5100 or 027 487 6865.
Upcoming Industry Events
In accordance with Rule 5 (a)(i), notice is given that Monday 18th November 2013 has been selected as the date of the 50th Annual General Meeting of the Ashburton Trading Society Ltd, which will be held at the Hotel Ashburton, Valetta and Arrowsmith Lounges, Racecourse Road, Ashburton, at 7.30pm.
15 October
Formal notice of that meeting will be given in due course.
Wintering for Success— Mid Canterbury
NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS
For more information, please contact Ian Knowles on 027 4968 496 or email ian.knowles@beeflambnz.com
Messers James Sim and Phil McKendry retire by rotation in accordance with Rule 6(c). Mr Sim is not seeking re-election. Mr McKendry is available for re-election. If you wish to nominate a member for the position of a Director of the Ashburton Trading Society Ltd, your attention is drawn to the following: 1. You are required to be a financial member—your account must be current to the satisfaction of the Society. 2. The completed form of nomination must be in the hands of the Secretary by 12 noon, 20th October 2013. Nomination forms are available from ATS, Level 1, 18 Kermode Street, Ashburton. Alternatively telephone (03) 307 5100 to request one and it will be sent to you.
Neal Shaw Chief Executive/Company Secretary
18 October Ballance Farm Environment Awards Field Day—Canterbury For more information, please contact Jocelyn.Muller@ecan.govt.nz
22 October National Ewe Hogget Competition 2013 winner’s field day For more information, please contact Ian Knowles on 027 4968 496 or email ian.knowles@beeflambnz.com
13–15 November Canterbury A&P Show
50 CELEBRATING
YEARS