The boss of Dairy NZ is hoping some positive feedback will give farmers a much needed boost.

Sector representatives say the country's doing well globally, with the industry seen as productive, environmentally friendly and profitable.

Chief executive Tim Mackle told Mike Yardley it's been a challenging year for farmers, who have felt under pressure.

"People tend to climb in and have a go during that time, so the lack of confidence that was going on during the year belies the fundamental, that actually the prices for dairy, for beef, for lamb, are actually very good at the moment."

He says he's proud of what farmers have achieved this year.

"Globally, we're doing really well, producing really low emissions dairy food, I think the lowest in the food. We are on a journey around environmental sustainability, we've got a lot of work to do, but a lot of good stuff has been done."