There are two dairy associations, the National Dairy Association and the South Island Dairy Association. These were developed to do work similar to that later done by the Dairy Board, with more attention to some of the industry's technical problems, especially manufacture, packaging, and transport, also the training of staff. The National Dairy Association did, however, interest itself generally in marketing and in specific matters, such as the arranging of freight contracts and the allocation of shipping space.

When, however, the Dairy Board was formed. the dairy associations became trading-type concerns specialising in the supply of machinery and other dairy-factory needs. They later became, as they are at present, limited liability companies with dairy companies the shareholders. They have undoubtedly saved the industry much money by buying supplies wholesale and, although they are not greatly in the public eye, they have an important place in the organisation of the dairy industry.