The Latest: April - 2025
Milk Output Is On The Rise
For producers who have been considering retirement for years, slim margins and high cow values offer a lucrative exit ramp. The auction docket is growing, which could allow producers to buy replacements and boost cull rates. Eventually, that could shrink the dairy herd. But for now, slaughter volumes remain low and milk output is on the rise.
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Revenues improved throughout the year. Although not sufficient to undo years of financial distress, it is the highest revenue since 2014 and worthy of celebration.
View reportThe market did its job, encouraging production, discouraging sales, and returning to equilibrium at more sustainable values.
View reportPass the egg nog, please. USDA announced the highest Class III price in five years. That’s a lot of Christmas cheer heading for dairy producers’ mailboxes. The butter market, however, is suffering a holiday hangover.
View reportThe gains were driven by impressive improvements in milk production per cow. Higher prices and mild weather have boosted milk output.
View reportSpot Cheddar is still at a rather lofty perch and spot barrels have the highest value in more than five years. The markets are doing their job.
View reportCME spot Cheddar barrels reached a five-year high, then the bids dried up.
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