EUROPE’S SECOND largest dairy co-op Arla Foods is launching a marketing blitz to promote its butter and cheese in Australia and New Zealand.

FEDERATED FARMERS Dairy chairman Willie Leferink says he can understand Japanese dairy farmers’ opposition to free trade.

ZELDA DE VILLIERS, currently managing director of DeLaval NZ, will be the Dairy Women's Network's new chief executive.

DAIRYNZ CHAIRMAN John Luxton believes there is “genuineness” at Japanese government level about being part of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). And this is useful in that it will encourage the US to take a more holistic view of the proposal.

FONTERRA DIRECTOR John Monaghan, who has made himself available for a director’s position with meat cooperative Alliance, isn’t ruling out staying on with both cooperatives should Alliance’s board appoint him.

JAPANESE FARMERS, sceptical about a free trade deal, are banking on the Government to exclude the sector from the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).

PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Minister Nathan Guy believes most farmers are environmentalists and understand the need to improve our water quality.

FONTERRA HAS bought the assets of Tasmanian yoghurt business, Tamar Valley Dairy, further strengthening its position in the Australian dairy industry.

STRONG DAIRY prices have helped push farmer confidence to its highest level in five years, says Rabobank.

BALLANCE AWARDS organiser, the New Zealand Farm Environment (NZFE) Trust, is gearing up for another big year as it strives to help farmers face the challenges of the future.