Dairy farm owners are being warned to help out their share milkers if they get into financial trouble.

The call comes after a Fonterra announcement to pay a 10 cent per share dividend to farm owners, in May and again in August.

This comes off the back of a half year profit of $409 million.

Farm owner Ian Armstrong says the dividends certainly helps, but farm owners need to be aware of their share milkers who don't benefit from the announcement.

"Farm owners have got to realise that we're all in bed together with our sharemilkers and if they get into trouble, we're in trouble as well."

Many farm owners will be considering selling their shares to stay afloat, and Fonterra's early dividend pay out will be cold comfort.

Labour's primary industries spokesperson Damien O'Connor said it's salt in the wound for farmers who are considering a short-term survival move, that they know will hurt in the long-term.

"Many farmers will want to sell their shares so they can get the cash to keep their farming operation going," he said.

Mr O'Connor said the early dividend is a drop in the bucket with many facing big losses.

"They're still facing some big challenges, some of the better farmers that have low debts will be okay but for an increasing number these are tough times and a dividend payment won't make any difference."