The Latest: September - 2026
Heat Wave Has Reduced Milk Powder Production
A late-Autumn heat wave and competition from other processors has reduced milk powder production in the Central and East regions. Dryers continue to run hard in the West, but supplies are not keeping pace with demand. European milk powder output is also running light after a punishingly hot summer. In New Zealand, milk production is ramping up quickly as the herd leans toward peak production next month. But, on the heels of the winter off-season, milk powder inventories are scant.
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High feed costs and pricey energy will quickly add up on the farm. Feed and energy costs are even higher in Europe, which will further deter growth on the continent.
View reportIn December, milk production among the world’s five largest dairy exporters fell 1.3% below December 2020, the steepest decline in five years. At 19 billion pounds, U.S. milk production was 1.6% lower than in January 2021, the steepest decline since March 2004.
View reportButter and Cheddar reached all-time highs at the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction on Tuesday, while both skim milk powder (SMP) and whole milk powder (WMP) prices climbed to fresh seven-year highs.
View reportBuyers and sellers jockeyed to exert their influence on the trade. The action in the cheese markets was relatively subdued, however important movements in the nonfat dry milk, whey, and especially butter markets, kept observers on their toes.
View reportThe phenomenon is certainly not limited to the United States. Market observers watched the Global Dairy Trade index climb on Tuesday by 4.1%, with the index reaching the highest level seen since February 2014.
View reportNearly every product lost ground at the CME as market participants challenged the high product prices seen in recent weeks. However, the butter markets really stole the show.
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