"Pleasant surprise" at global dairy auction.

Fonterra could let farmer shareholders sell shares based on annual milk production to reduce debt, analysts say.

The NZX is expected to announce plans for a new milk futures contract tomorrow, which will be aimed at picking up where Fonterra's controversial guaranteed milk price scheme left off.

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.

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.

COMMENT: The crisis in the dairy industry is of course a savage blow to many individual dairy farmers.

Fonterra may dust off last year's support package or boost the percentage of earnings paid as dividends to help farmers hit by the dairy downturn.

Fonterra will unveil a strong half-year financial result on Wednesday, but this will not mute the criticism that has emerged.

Cash-strapped dairy farmers can at least look forward to a strong first-half performance from Fonterra when it reports its result this week.

Fonterra will offer quicker payments to suppliers - if it gets a discount in return.

Fonterra has confirmed the closure of its cheese plant in Kaikoura next month.

World dairy prices went against market expectations and fell 2.9 per cent decline at the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction.

COMMENT: Next Wednesday will be another major milestone in the NZ dairy industry. Dairy giant Fonterra will unveil its latest results.

Futures market pricing suggests tomorrow morning's GlobalDairyTrade auction will be flat to slightly better.

Federated Farmers and Dairy NZ have been holding around the country aimed at helping farmers, particularly sharemilkers, through the downturn.

Bill English has ruled out a bailout for struggling dairy farmers after Andrew Little said the Govt should consider emergency relief similar to droughts.

Fonterra has scored an own goal in extending payment terms for suppliers because some frustrated companies are secretly hiking their prices.

Bank analyst has confidence in the sector's ability to adapt but says that some of those ill-prepared for the downturn will go to the wall.

Fonterra said a member of its management team, Maury Leyland, has resigned for personal reasons, effective from March 31.

WATCH: On the latest extra episode of The Economy Hub, guest panelists Brian Gaynor and Fran O'Sullivan discuss Fonterra.