The Latest: May - 2026
Dairy Markets Retreat This Week
The dairy markets retreated this week, led by a 6.75ȼ drop in Cheddar blocks. CME spot Cheddar closed at $1.555 per pound, within a tic of its lowest price in two months. Cheesemakers continue to crank out product. Domestic demand is climbing, but not as quickly as production. In the first quarter, U.S. cheese output was 3.1% greater than the year before, while domestic consumption climbed 2.3%. Exports absorbed the surplus and then some. But the industry can’t count on exports to use up our excess cheese unless we’re the world’s least expensive source.
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With milk production expected to stay strong, dairy product production will continue to be robust. This aggressive production threatens to overhang the market unless demand can demonstrate a meaningful and sustained expansion.
View reportCheese manufacturers report that demand has improved from both domestic and international sources. Even with improved demand, supply remains more than ample and inventories are growing.
View reportMilk is undeniably long and with the spring flush imminent in most parts of the country, supplies are expected to remain plentiful. Yet even as milk remains abundant, demand has also perked up, helping to keep markets in balance. Butter manufacturers report that domestic demand has been healthy while the spot whey market continued to reach new heights, setting another record this week.
View reportOver the past year, the dairy markets have exhibited extreme volatility, adjusting to drastic shifts in both supply and demand. Consumer behaviors are shifting back towards something that resembles pre-pandemic times.
View reportWith a sense of normalcy restored, and the spring flush rapidly approaching, milk is still plentiful and has resulted in copious dairy product production.
View reportMany plants are keeping busy schedules as they attempt to compensate for last week’s closures, while displaced spot loads of milk and cream continue to search for homes.
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