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.

Average prices of dairy products fell to their lowest level since early December in Fonterra's latest online auction, adding to evidence the steam in coming out of global commodity prices.

Fonterra has named Dutch dairy executive Theo Spierings as its new chief executive.

Should we be worried that the commodity spike of the past few months has peaked?

For an investor, Fonterra warrants close attention..

Average prices of dairy products fell from a three-month high in Fonterra's latest online auction, as commodity prices and equity markets weakened on doubts about the pace of US economic growth and Greece's debt woes.

Agricultural sector seen moving from survival mentality to productive mode.