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

The New Zealand dairy herd has grown by more than 250,000 in less that two years, says new research published today.

A New Zealand consortium says its appeal will go ahead against aspects of the court decision that forced the government to reconsider its support for the sale of the Crafar farms to Chinese buyers.

Milk NZ hopes to finalise the purchase and move onto the Crafar farms within a month.

Prices have plunged overnight in the latest world dairy auction, falling to below the 10-year average for the first time since 2009.