The science going on at AgResearch's new farm at Tokanui may help New Zealand's dairy farms run in a more sustainable fashion.

Fonterra says it has completed the acquisition of a Saudi Arabian milk company.

Fonterra is in talks to buy out its partner in the Saudi Arabian milk and cheese market, Saudi New Zealand Milk Products.

Half of Fonterra's farmers are expected to buy the additional shares being offered by from today, says Federated Farmers.

Amnesty International is calling on Fonterra and the Government to condemn the executions of two people involved in the San Lu tainted milk powder scandal.

Nick Smith says he makes no apologies for using taxpayers' money to send two Iwi Leadership Group members to the upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen.

John Key warns farmers they reject a response to climate change at their peril - endangering their reputations, future incomes and the economy.

John Key urged farmers to be less agitated about the ETS and tackling climate change in an address to Federated Farmers today.

ANZ National Bank economist Kevin Wilson says the new Fonterra payout could return the sector to profitability and reduce stress levels.

Fonterra chief executive Andrew Ferrier said improving market conditions had been reflected in trading on Fonterra's globalDairyTrade online platform.

Fonterra's increased milkfat payout will put an extra $110,000 into the bank account of the average dairy farmer.

The higher Fonterra payout will be a major boost for regional economies.

Dairy juggernaut Fonterra has announced a payout increase to dairy farmers for the current season.

Fonterra is expected to announce an increase in its payout forecast to farmers early next week.

The price of milk powder climbing to a 13-month high in Fonterra's latest online auction.

Rising dairy prices continue to underpin gains in the ANZ Commodity Price Index, which has recorded its seventh straight monthly gain last month.

Fonterra is being asked to adopt a formal profits distribution policy so farmers being asked to invest cash know what payoff they are likely to get.

A Fonterra executive paid $3.7m when he left the dairy giant this year, was said to have been the fall guy for the disastrous investment in China's San Lu milk company.