The Latest: February - 2026
Product Scarcity Driving the Milk Powder Market
Product scarcity seems to be driving the gains in the milk powder market as buyers seeking product are coming up empty-handed. According to USDA’s Dairy Products report, combined output of NDM and skim milk powder (SMP) was just 170.3 million pounds in December, down 6.2% compared to the same month last year. NDM prices have been climbing since January, but the trajectory accelerated meaningfully this week. After taking a brief respite on Monday, the spot price for NDM rose every day between Tuesday and Friday, delivering an 18¢ increase, and qualifying as the commodity’s strongest week since May 2007.
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Though it will take some time for the impacts of the weather to become fully appreciated, a reduction in milk production and increase in culling is likely in the coming weeks.
View reportInventories for most dairy products remain heavier than typical for this time of year. Nevertheless, the situation is evolving and tighter markets could be on the horizon.
View reportPrices fluctuate as new market information collides with the realities of supply and demand. Reports indicate that milk production continues to exceed prior year levels and is growing seasonally as spring approaches.
View reportMilk production growth was strong across most of the United States in December, with the West and the Midwest posting particularly convincing figures. A dramatic expansion in the national dairy herd drove much of the increase.
View reportEven with a short week, there was no lack of action in the dairy markets. However, the market took the news poorly with most dairy commodities moving decisively downward.
View reportAfter the enthusiasm ignited by last week’s USDA announcement, most commodities struggled to keep the momentum going. The butter and cheese markets both finished the week on a softer note while dry products, especially whey, fared somewhat better.
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