The number of dairy farmers stopping supply to Synlait has increased as the company faces financial challenges.
The extremely dry conditions across Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman are expected to worsen in the coming months.
A boat carrying 16,000 animals was stranded in scorching heat off Australia's west coast after it had to abandon a trip through the Red Sea.
Fonterra is hoping to satisfy both its corporate customers and its farmers.
"We knew pretty early on that the milk price was going to be under a bit of pressure."
National promised it would restart live exports, with 'gold standard' rules to protect animal welfare and safety.
Mycoplasma bovis has been found on a farm in Selwyn.
A survey the group conducted in May found more farmers were coming under undue pressure from their bank.
"We know dairy farmers have a difficult season ahead."
