Work is needed to rebuild trust between Fonterra management and its farmers.

Farmers are looking to "turn things on their head" by challenging environmental assumptions about their sector at a water forum tomorrow.

In a hard-hitting public statement, Spierings described media comments by the Feds as "disappointing", "inaccurate" and "puzzling".

A fall in global commodity prices and the strong kiwi dollar meant New Zealand producers were squeezed in the first quarter.