The Latest: November - 2026
Spot Whey Powder All Time High
The protein bulls galivanted through LaSalle Street, and CME spot whey powder struck a new all-time high. Spot whey powder jumped 7ȼ this week to 91ȼ per pound. The 8% increase marked the whey market’s first foray into the 90s in its eight-year tenure at the spot market. USDA’s Dairy Market News reports that whey powder demand is “steady to strong.” And some October processing downtime and production issues tightened supplies. Manufacturers continue to concentrate as much whey as possible, but there’s still plenty of raw whey leftover. Through September, whey powder production was up 7.8% year-over-year.
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Concerns about worsening demand are colliding with rising supplies as milk floods the market.
View reportAll eyes were on the CME spot Cheddar markets this week as blocks, and especially barrels, moved decisively lower. Spot barrel prices plunged in recent days and Cheddar spot blocks also moved below $2 for the first time since early September.
View reportCME spot Cheddar barrels climbed to an all-time high last Friday and managed to cling to the precipice on Monday. Then their perch gave way and they plunged over the cliff.
View reportTrading volumes were light, but that led to a sense of foreboding. The rally is real, but how long can it last? The futures curve reflects traders’ fears that the market cannot sustain these prices into next year.
View reportThe combination of more milk and more cows stopped the bulls in their tracks, and made for a lot of red ink on LaSalle Street through mid-week.
View reportThe bulk of the government buying is supposed to end soon, but, judging by the sudden rally on Thursday, the trade may expect another round of aid for dairy purchases.
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