The Wanganui branch of Federated Farmers has 164 members - about 40 per cent of the estimated 400 farmers in the district. There were about 17 at the AGM. Most of them were over 50 - unlike the composition of the Manawatu and Rangitikei provinces, which have active younger members.
The meeting discussed dairy prices - $3.70 a kilo of milk solids for Open Country starting the new season. Mr Doughty said Ruapehu farmers on marginal land could be especially hard hit by this.
Tim Matthews hit out at district council rating based on the value of property rather than on the income it could produce. He's predicting the rate increase for Wanganui farmers could top 10 per cent.
He said farmers were a minority of voters in the district, 2500 compared to 20,000 urban ratepayers, and they were not well represented on council. A remit or recommendation to the national Federated Farmers meeting was suggested.
"It's something the Feds have got to take up."
Former adviser to the province Tessa Mills was thanked for her role in responding to Horizons Regional Council's One Plan.
Tim Matthews said farmers still didn't have the little book of One Plan rules that they needed - but getting consent for matters such as land clearance was simpler and cheaper.
Dairy, lamb and beef had their disappointments in the past season, though beef prices were improving again. Wool was the only bright spot.
The farmers talked of impending workplace safety legislation. It's thought to require them to identify hazards with more than signs, and make directors, owners and managers liable for accidents.