The fortunes of the dairy industry are expected to bounce back in about a year’s time, according to the Director General of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Ray Smith.

Fonterra is opening a sixth application centre in China to boost its growing foodservice business.

Taupo-based milk processor Miraka has landed a deal to supply premium low-carbon A2 milk products into China.

Strong demand for milkfats - anhydrous milkfat (AMF) and butter - is helping boost the farmgate milk price, according to ANZ agriculture economist Susan Kilsby.

After five consecutive rises, whole milk powder prices dipped in the latest Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction.

Fonterra has appointed two new members to its management team, as part of the co-op’s “step-change in strategic direction”.

OPINION: The old saying ‘Everyone wants to go to Heaven, but nobody wants to die’ seems to apply to the wailing coming from public service entities facing cuts under the new Government’s belt tightening.

Dairy

MPI director-general, Ray Smith believes the downturn actually bottomed out in about January, and since then says things have been on the improve but adds that every sector will have different trajectory or timeline as to when there will be an improvement.

Except for horticulture, New Zealand’s main primary exports – namely dairy, meat and wool and forestry - are in for a bumpy ride in the coming 12 months.