FONTERRA'S DECISION to pump $555 million into Edendale and Lichfield plant upgrades represents a huge vote of confidence in the dairy industry and the provinces.

FEDERATED FARMERS' Dairy Industry Group has elected Feilding farmer Andrew Hoggard as its new chairman.

Andrew Hoggard leads a busy life as Federated Farmers Manawatu/Rangitikei provincial president. He is also the national vice president of the Feds dairy section, manages a big dairy farm and has a young family. How does he do all this?