Dairy product prices have held steady at the latest Global Dairy Trade auction.

Big buys at annual agricultural event are likely to be lower on the shopping list for some who are hurting, especially dairy farmers.

Dairy prices kicked off the new season on a strong note, with gains driving the GDT price index up 3.4 per cent.

Hopes are running high that the first GlobalDairyTrade (GDT) auction for 2016/17 will show an improvement in dairy prices.

Fonterra's moved quickly to reject Australian media reports that Spierings is preparing to step down.

The milk price of $4.25 per kg remains well below DairyNZ's $5.25 per kg estimate of breakeven.

Australian dairy farmers want the government's help in gaining security around milk prices.

It's not only NZ dairy farmers unhappy about farm gate prices.

Dairy prices ended the 2015/6 season on a firm note with the GlobalDairyTrade price index rising by 2.6 per cent at this morning's auction.

Fonterra says part of forecast final dividend will be moved up to ease low-price pain.

Housing debt got all the attention yesterday, but dairy debt remains near the top list of Reserve Bank of the threats to the economy.

Dairy prices fell at the Global Dairy Trade auction overnight.

Dairy prices continued to firm at the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction, with the GDT price index gaining 3.8 per cent driven mostly by a big gain in whole milk powder prices.

Fonterra has continued to lose farmers to its competitors, based on latest production data.

Fonterra's first draft of suggested changes to its governance structure recommends the board's size be cut from 13 to 11.

Fonterra's first draft of its recommendations on the size and makeup of its board will be made public tomorrow.

NZX's planned new milk price futures contract can help bring stability to a dairy sector being hit by low returns, says visiting specialist Brian Rice.

"Pleasant surprise" at global dairy auction.

Fonterra stole the show during last month's sentencing of 1080 blackmailer Jeremy Kerr.

'We are grinning and bearing it." That's how Taranaki sharemilker Charlie McCaig describes how he and his wife Jody are faring with a milk price.

Fonterra's increased dividend payment isn't enough for most farmers to pay their interest bill, says Jacqueline Rowarth.

The Ministry for Primary Industries says it will take action against baby formula marketer Fernbaby if the company continues to make "therapeutic claims" about its products.

COMMENT: It is the nature of the Fonterra's unique corporate structure that bad times for commodities mean good times for the brands business.

Exporters paid a heavy price for the threat to contaminate infant formula with 1080.

Powerful victim impact statement read in court ahead of the sentencing of 1080 blackmailer Jeremy Kerr.

Theo Spierings said a "temporary imbalance" exists between Fonterra's strong results and farmers' tough times.

COMMENT: Criticism from farmers about the cost of supply rules ignores built-in protection, writes Peter Fraser.

Finally some good news for dairy farmers - Fonterra will be doubling its dividend payout after profits jumped 123 per cent.

COMMENT: Fonterra has made the right call by accelerating dividend payments instead of extending its dairy farmer shareholders loan package, writes Fran O'Sullivan.