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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At the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction on Tuesday, the GDT Index jumped 4.6% to its highest price since March 2014, led by a 5.6% increase in the price of whole milk powder (WMP). GDT butter and cheese both scored all-time highs, while SMP climbed to prices not seen in nearly eight years.
View reportMarkets are swinging wildly from heart-stopping highs to stomach-churning lows and back again. But unlike thrill rides, the dairy markets are breaking new ground.
View reportPrices are high and extremely volatile as the trade assesses how long global milk output will remain depressed and whether demand will hold firm despite the rising cost of dairy.
View reportThe dairy markets are full of Christmas cheer for producers, while dairy buyers are grunting “Bah! Humbug,” into their egg nog. The milkfat market is especially festive and the whey market just keeps climbing.
View reportLower milk production abroad will make more room for U.S. dairy product exports, even if the global appetite for dairy products fades modestly.
View reportFrom the darkest corners of the Board of Trade building, the bears whispered their concerns about the health of the global economy and accelerating inflation. But their warnings were drowned out by the stamping of hooves as the markets shot enthusiastically upward.
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