Strong growth for Yili's NZ operations
Chinese dairy giant Yili Group says its New Zealand operations are on track for strong revenue growth in 2025 after recording significant year-on-year growth for the first half of the year.
Former Westland Milk chairman Pete Morrison says Yili’s new ownership represents a significant milestone for the former co-op and the start of a new era for the dairy industry on the West Coast.
He says Westland is a proud business with a strong history on the West Coast and in Canterbury.
“Jingang’s ownership provides confidence, security and competitive payouts for farmers – and their families – in our region. I am sure this will provide a strong platform for dairying in the region for many years ahead.”
Morrison says throughout the sale process all farmers were treated equally and all stand to be equally rewarded in the future.
“Fairness and equality were critical principles for the board and we are pleased these principles were understood and respected by Jingang and Yili throughout our negotiations.
“My fellow farmers and I now look forward to helping Yili achieve its long term goal of becoming the most trusted healthy food provider in the world. It is an exciting vision and it is exciting to help make this a reality.
“The strong engagement and support shown by Westland’s shareholders at the recent shareholder meeting demonstrates the importance our farmers place on the new relationship and their faith in Yili working with them to build Westland’s positive future.
“It is truly a win-win result for all involved.”
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.
The black and white coat of Holstein- Friesian cows is globally recognised as a symbol of dairy farming and a defining trait of domestic cattle. But until recently, scientists didn’t know which genes were responsible for the Holstein’s spots.
According to the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2024/25 report, New Zealand dairy farmers are achieving more with fewer cows.

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