Dr Hauser is on his high horse again tilting at myths and legends in the Australian dairy industry. In his blog this week he takes on the local mainstream press, refuting the suggestion that milk production in the north and west of Australia has declined in the past decade because of farmer and milk processor 'apathy'.

Last week Fonterra announced an extraordinary increase in their milk price payout. It was the only bright spot in an otherwise appalling week for New Zealand. Dr Hauser has delved into his spreadsheets and provided us a perspective on how the trick was done.

In an update to his prior article on milk production trends, Dr Hauser looks at the latest data from around the globe. The analysis provides an explanation for recent dairy commodity price rises. There is also an uncharacteristically upbeat message for Oceania farmers.

2010 marked significant changes to the milk payment systems of Australia's leading dairy co-operative, Murray Goulburn. This has brought criticism from industry bystanders and within Murray Goulburn's ranks. Neil Lane provides some insight into the rationale for these changes along with an estimate of the current MG milk price for their various payment options.

It seems that Dr Hauser might be prepared to admit that the global dairy industry operates in complete defiance of his pet topic of economic gravity. The current news shows a mass of contradictions that have him scratching his head. This week he journeys back to Ireland to point out that it's a mad mad mad mad world.

Continuing the discussion on global milk price systems, Neil Lane explains further the difference between true protein and crude protein. The protein measurement method represents small but none-the-less important point of difference in milk price determination and the value of milk in its many and various applications.

There is a saying that you should never let the facts get in the way of a good story. That's not a sentiment that Dr Hauser takes to kindly to, especially when people are free and fast with information on the Australian dairy industry. This week he sets the record straight on some recent comments from US dairy experts.