DairyNZ says New Zealand milk production is expected to fall by 2 or 3 per cent this season as farmers focus on improving the efficiency of their farming systems.

Whole milk powder prices have dropped to their lowest level since 2008, putting more downward pressure on Fonterra's farmgate milk price forecast and reinforcing the market view that the Reserve Bank will cut interest rates twice this year to partly compe

Whole milk powder prices - key to determining Fonterra's farmgate mik price, dropped by 10.3 per cent overnight.

Fonterra chairman John Wilson's verbal sharp-shooting skills were put to good effect at the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) ministerial negotiations in Maui.

The retreat in export commodity prices turned into a rout last month. ANZ's commodity price index fell 11.2 per cent, its steepest monthly decline, to a six-year low.

The ANZ Commodity Price Index for July fell 11.2 per cent to the lowest level since October 2009.

Cow effluent charges against two Marlborough farmers have been proven.

Fonterra's board will meet on Friday to review the farmgate milk price.

Our fruit trade has become a heavy hitter as an export, helping to at least partly offset weakness in the dairy and forest products sectors.

The tide has turned on the economic boom. The slump in dairy prices has once again laid bare the vulnerabilities of a commodity-dominated economy.

Fonterra's has copped some flak for its performance, but chief executive Theo Spierings says the co-operative dairy giant would not deviate from its current course.

As milk prices fall, farmers keep waiting for the cycle to turn. But what if Fonterra's problems are longer term, asks Jamie Gray.

Westland will decide on its final 2014/15 payout in September.

Is Fonterra on the right track? Or is it time for Plan B? Plan B would result in the company being split into a basic commodity player focused on growing the milk price.

As the 12-nation trade deal negotiations enter the final stretch, Mr Key said New Zealand was gaining some support on its demands for the dairy industry.

The story of Harry Meijer and his flying fox has been viewed more than 164,000 times on the New Zealand Herald's Facebook page.

Playing the TPP soft cop cannot be allowed to blind Groser and his senior negotiators to NZ's own interests.

Canterbury dairy farmer Harry Meijer wakes up, dons his trademark green overalls and faded floppy hat, and zips from his house to his milking shed on his 100m flying fox.

As Fonterra's NZX-listed units languish near an all-time low, analysts say the market will remain cool on the dairy giant.

Fonterra Co-operative Group has put on hold plans to develop an Equity Partnership Trust that would have given its 10,500 farmer suppliers access to investor capital to help them with the compulsory....

Pressure is building on Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings as the dairy industry faces up to a winter of discontent, writes Liam Dann.

Jamie Gray writes: For Fonterra's farmers, investors and employees the severity of the dairy downturn will become clear early next month.

Trade Minister Tim Groser and Deputy US Trade Representative Wendy Cutler got into Hawaii early last weekend to set the scene for a high-powered ministerial meeting to thrash out the bones of the....

Freedom Foods and Dean Foods are said to be in no hurry to up their bid for A2 Milk Co after the milk marketer this week told its suitors to try again, after an initial offer wasn't compelling and drew out as yet unnamed rival bidders.

Having its main office in Auckland is a big part of the dairy giant's problem, writes Brian Gaynor.

A key industry is suffering, but other economic signs paint a happier picture, writes Brian Fallow.

BNZ has lowered its 2015/16 milk price forecast for Fonterra but says it expects dairy prices to recover late this year.

Open Country has told its farmers that their forecast payout has been cut back due to slumping world dairy prices.

The controversial $275 million Ruataniwha water storage scheme in Hawkes Bay is a step closer after the High Court said no appeals had been lodged in the consent process.