Fonterra is releasing some money to dairy farmers earlier than usual, to help those struggling with the industry's downturn.

A dividend of 10c per share is being paid on the 7th of June, to be followed by an equal payout in August.

But that's subject to financial performance continuing at the current level.

The company's forecasting a 3% reduction in seasonal milk collection overall.

This year's payout is set to be 40c per share in total.