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.

Bank lending to farmers has fallen $1 billion from its peak in September last year, latest Reserve Bank figures show.

The latest Chinese bid for the Crafar dairy farms is a key test for new rules on foreign ownership, reports Karyn Scherer

Labour is continuing to insist that putting agriculture into the Emissions Trading Scheme in 2013 won't raise the price of dairy products, and says Prime Minister John Key is being misleading by saying it will.

Fonterra, the world's biggest dairy exporter, lifted its forecast 2011 pay-out to farmers to a range of $8 to $8.10, before retentions, while flagging a reduced payment for the following year.