The Latest: July - 2026
Inflation Eases, But Energy Risks Remain
U.S. consumers felt a bit of relief in June as prices eased somewhat. The Consumer Price Index, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) eased to 3.5% during the month, down 0.7 percentage points from May due especially to softer energy prices. Lower gasoline prices were also the key driver that boosted the Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI), which rose to 54.4 points in the preliminary July reading published by the University of Michigan.
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The bulls were put out to pasture this summer, grazing in paddocks far from LaSalle Street. But fall is here, and they are back home enjoying a high energy ration, pushing several markets to their highest price in months.
View reportSoaring temperatures in much of the country and unusually humid conditions in the Southwest added up to a lot of stress. National average milk yields fell short of year-ago levels, an exceptionally rare occurrence.
View reportAccording to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. just suffered its hottest summer ever. Soaring temperatures weighed on milk yields and tightened supplies as heat stress accumulated late in the summer and into September.
View reportThe Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction kicked things off with bang and all products gained significant ground. Cheesemakers are running at their usual pace, as long as they can find the staff to do so and demand remains healthy.
View reportCME spot butter jumped 9ȼ this week. July butter production fell 0.8% short of the frantic pace of July 2020, but was still historically high. There is plenty of butter socked away to last through the fall and holiday baking season.
View reportHeat, humidity, and smoke are sapping milk yields around the nation. Higher Class I sales from coast to coast, coupled with sweltering temperatures, has tightened milk supplies noticeably. Meanwhile, students are back in school and all are eligible for free lunches with a carton of milk on the side.
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