The Latest: February - 2026
Butter Futures Jumped This Week
Butter futures jumped this week on the heels of a bullish Cold Storage report. USDA pegged January 31 butter inventories at 215.4 million pounds, down 17.4% from the year before. Domestic butter demand was robust and exports were strong enough to offset the significant growth in U.S. butterfat output. More recently, though, USDA’s Dairy Market News reported that butter churns are running “seven days a week… at or near max capacity.” And manufacturers tell Dairy Market News they are “building inventories to prepare for upcoming slower production periods.”
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Dairy producers can live with those prices, but they are certainly uninspiring, especially after several years of hardship.
View reportThe market is still suffering a hangover after over-indulging in October and November and the damage has been done.
View reportDairy markets were not immune, and after a healthy rally last week markets suffered a sizeable setback.
View reportThe steep December selloff was a necessary correction and was not the start of a sustained downtrend. With the exception of butter, dairy demand is outpacing supply and supporting dairy product prices.
View reportCME spot Cheddar barrels dropped to a 10-month low but came roaring back. The powder markets firmed as well.
View reportMilk yields and components remain high while an unsettled market tries to digest the holiday excess.
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