The Latest: October - 2025
Heavy Milk Output Continues to Weigh on Dairy Product Pricing
The dairy industry is the victim of its own success. Heavy milk output continues to weigh on milk and dairy product prices. USDA’s Dairy Market News reports that in California, milk production tops year-ago levels by a wide margin, “edging into double digits.” The eye-popping year-over-year increase can be partially explained by the onset of the devastating bird flu last year and the healthier herd today. That does not change the fact that the market has significantly more milk to absorb than it did in late 2024 and early 2025.
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Milk yields and components remain high while an unsettled market tries to digest the holiday excess.
View reportRevenues 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.
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