Latest data out of China isn't making good reading for New Zealand dairy farmers.

Fonterra expects demand for its dairy products in China to return next year.

The a2 Milk Company (a2C) efforts to return its Southland-based subsidiary Mataura Valley Milk to profitability remains a work in progress.

Alliance says China is key to any stability in the lamb market.

Meat processor and exporter Alliance Group concedes it is facing tough global market conditions with both weaker demand and pricing.

A diehard dairy co-operative champion and Fonterra shareholder is warning that the co-op could face a takeover bid if its share price continues to plummet.

Farmers are being told to expect tight times ahead as the projected milk price was revised to a new mid-point range of $7 following the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction earlier this month.

The country's second largest milk processor is optimistic that global demand for dairy products will improve end of this year.

Farmers are being urged to budget on a milk price in the lower half of Fonterra's present guidance range, $6.25 to $7.75/kgMS.

OPINION: The Great Wall Of China is said to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.