Federated Farmers: Impressive lineup of speakers to address butchers

The Hon Jo Goodhew, the Minister for Food Safety.

Rural butchers' businesses, like much of the primary industry, are affected by the ebb and flow of economic volatility.

They are aware of the need to make their businesses more sustainable and resilient, and the annual rural butchers' conference plays an important part in this regard.

Rural Butchers comprise Homekill Service Providers and Dual Operator Butchers, and provide a valuable service to animal owners who want to enjoy the benefits of eating home-killed meat but who do not want to kill and butcher the animals themselves.

While homekilled meat cannot be sold, food safety and quality -- together with a very high level of customer service -- are the highest priorities for rural butchers as their businesses depend on these factors.

This month's conference in Nelson during August 28-29 is a timely opportunity for rural butchers to visit other premises, as part of the organised field trips on the first day.

The weekend also provides some time to talk to other butchers (and any trade representatives who are present) and share stories about new items of equipment that have been purchased and the innovations they have implemented in their businesses.

Those who attend will learn from conference speakers about issues that have affected -- or will affect -- the sector so they can assess the impact on their businesses and adjust their business plans if necessary.

As usual there is a great lineup of speakers set for the Saturday morning at the Trailways Hotel, Nelson:

* The Hon Jo Goodhew, the Minister for Food Safety.

* Matt Grimes, (Sector Manager -- Retail Meat & Baking, Competenz) who will speak on "Competenz -- training your staff".

* Nick Hanson, (Federated Farmers Policy Advisor) speaking on "The Implications of the Health and Safety Reform Bill".

* Nigel Lucas (Principal Advisor, Animal Products, Regulation & Assurance, Ministry for Primary Industries) and Piers Harrison (Specialist Adviser, Verification Services, Regulation & Assurance, Ministry for Primary Industries) providing an update on MPI sector activities, including making information around small/micro abattoirs easier to find on the MPI website.

In addition we will have a trade speaker and a industry member speaking about their business.

Finally, the conference provides opportunities to socialise and catch up with old friends on the Friday and Saturday nights, see you there.

Registrations for the conference closed on Friday, August 7.

* For more information contact David Burt at the Federation's Wellington office; phone (04) 494-9182, email dburt@fedfarm.org.nz