Plans to open up in heartland of fast food hit by regulation

COMMENT: It is the nature of the Fonterra's unique corporate structure that bad times for commodities mean good times for the brands business.

Exporters paid a heavy price for the threat to contaminate infant formula with 1080.

Powerful victim impact statement read in court ahead of the sentencing of 1080 blackmailer Jeremy Kerr.

Theo Spierings said a "temporary imbalance" exists between Fonterra's strong results and farmers' tough times.

COMMENT: Criticism from farmers about the cost of supply rules ignores built-in protection, writes Peter Fraser.

Finally some good news for dairy farmers - Fonterra will be doubling its dividend payout after profits jumped 123 per cent.

COMMENT: Fonterra has made the right call by accelerating dividend payments instead of extending its dairy farmer shareholders loan package, writes Fran O'Sullivan.

Fonterra will unveil a strong half-year financial result on Wednesday, but this will not mute the criticism that has emerged.

Cash-strapped dairy farmers can at least look forward to a strong first-half performance from Fonterra when it reports its result this week.

COMMENT: Gary Romano couldn't resist an indirect jibe at former boss Theo Spierings over the latest PR debacle to afflict dairy giant Fonterra.

Fonterra will offer quicker payments to suppliers - if it gets a discount in return.

Fonterra has been copping heavy criticism over its strategy as the financial pressure facing farmer shareholders deepens.

However, even the Reserve Bank's best case scenario sees farm prices fall by 20pc, while the worst case scenario would see a fall in land prices of 40pc.

Fonterra has confirmed the closure of its cheese plant in Kaikoura next month.

World dairy prices went against market expectations and fell 2.9 per cent decline at the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction.

COMMENT: Next Wednesday will be another major milestone in the NZ dairy industry. Dairy giant Fonterra will unveil its latest results.

Bill English has ruled out a bailout for struggling dairy farmers after Andrew Little said the Govt should consider emergency relief similar to droughts.

Fonterra has scored an own goal in extending payment terms for suppliers because some frustrated companies are secretly hiking their prices.

Bank analyst has confidence in the sector's ability to adapt but says that some of those ill-prepared for the downturn will go to the wall.

Fonterra said a member of its management team, Maury Leyland, has resigned for personal reasons, effective from March 31.

WATCH: On the latest extra episode of The Economy Hub, guest panelists Brian Gaynor and Fran O'Sullivan discuss Fonterra.

The long-term outlook for the dairy sector is strong, but the immediate future is highly concerning, says Mark Lister.

It is incomprehensible Fonterra's board could have persistently got it so wrong.

Sharemilkers and young people are leaving the industry as pay opportunities worsen.

Fonterra says it remains financially sound, despite high debt levels.