It recognises the requirements for each type of grazing are different but some of the basics are common.
The previous agreement had been short on detail.
“It had been very brief and wasn’t satisfactory for anybody,” dairy policy adviser Anne Thompson said.
She and her dairy executive team worked with the Feds’ meat and fibre and arable teams to produce the more comprehensive agreement.
They took account of the concerns and interests of dairy and drystock farmers who want to graze with the concerns and interests of drystock and arable farmers who want to provide grazing.
“We have got both sides of the fence,” Thompson said. The agreement was made available to members early last month. The cost is $80.
The common basics include the period of the agreement, a termination process and a dispute process. Termination for animal welfare concerns is addressed, along with issues such as NAIT requirements.
Provisions for adverse events ensure parties at sign-up can agree on a plan to manage feed shortages.
There are Personal Property Security Act provisions, aimed at helping when things go bad and creditors are brought in.
The needs of heifers grazed for more than 18 months are catered for, taking account of issues such as:
Fees – weekly or liveweight gain, including weekly advance payment
Feed – the amount and type of feed to be made available for the stock is decided at sign-up.
Mating, animal health provisions and agrichemical withholding periods, transport and TB, tick and the theileria status of the land and the heifers are among other issues addressed.
Parties to an agreement are being strongly advised to seek independent third party and-or legal advice before signing.
Federated Farmers’ financial members who sign up for the 0800 Employment and Legal service can receive free advice about the agreement.
