Fonterra's new chief executive says the board will have a look at NZ's high fresh milk prices.

Dairy giant Fonterra has announced details of a record year - with $10.6 billion to be distributed to its farmer owners. Its detailed a record payout of $8.25, comprising a "Farmgate Milk Price" of $7.60 per kilogram of milksolids for the 2011 season...

Fonterra farmers are again warning that any change which may reduce their ownership or control of the co-operative sill be rejected.

Average prices of dairy products fell for the sixth straight sale in Fonterra's latest online auction, reaching the lowest level in 10 months.

Landcorp Farming, New Zealand's biggest farm business, expects Fonterra's payout to slip next year and its own earnings from beef exports to fall, reflecting the high kiwi dollar.

Reduced demand for organic dairy products has lead to dairy giant Fonterra pulling back from its organic operations.

Trade Minister will be under pressure in Beijing to live up to the terms of the FTA.

Agriculture Minister David Carter cannot assure New Zealanders they are not paying too much for milk despite a report this morning which found retail and wholesale markets were competitive enough not to require price controls.

New Zealand commodity prices were stable last month, with weakness in logs and dairy products, while kiwifruit prices rose, according to the latest ANZ Commodity Price Index.

The price of butter and cheese will drop next month in line with falling international dairy prices - but milk will stay the same.

A major US dairy company, which markets products for four co-ops will start selling products through Fonterra's online dairy auction system from October.