May 16 (Reuters) - Fonterra:
* Fonterra confirms early final dividend payment
* It will pay part of its forecast final dividend earlier, to support farmers during a time of extremely tight on-farm cash flows
* Forecast New Zealand milk collection for the current season is 1,558 million kgms, which is 3 per cent lower than last season"
* Says payment will be made on 7 June, bringing dividend payments so far this year to 30 cents per share
* Total forecast dividend is 40 cents per share for the year
* Co-operative's good operating performance was expected to continue"
* Will be providing our opening 2016/17 season forecast farmgate milk price for our farmers at the end of may"
* Fonterra shareholders' fund unit holders will receive a part payment of the forecast final distribution of 10 cents per unit
* Source text for Eikon ID:nNZW9yGQMc
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