Dairy prices have risen to their highest level in eight months in the latest global auction overnight.
The average price was up 1.9 percent to $US3637 ($NZ5301) a tonne, compared with a 1 percent fall in the previous auction two weeks ago.
The price of whole milk powder, a key factor in setting returns to local farmers, was marginally higher at $US3226 a tonne.
There were strong lifts for skin milk powder, butter, and cheese.
The volumes sold were down about 7 percent.