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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Consumers continue to reach for kitchen staples that are familiar and convenient, and Cheddar fits the bill.
View reportAll of the CME spot markets moved higher, and cheese did so with particular verve. Once the laggard, barrels are now the leader.
View reportThose markets that gained ground last week gave some of it back this week, while last week’s losers are now on the rise.
View reportCME spot Cheddar blocks soared to the largest single-session increase on record. Barrels followed reluctantly and the block-barrel spread gaped. The market is on tenterhooks to see whether blocks will move lower or barrels higher to close the gap.
View reportDairy producers are doing their best to top up the bulk tank while the futures promise decent Class III values. Cheesemakers are going strong, and they report that cheese is moving apace.
View reportThe cheese markets stand well below the summer peaks but have made a surprisingly quick return to the lofty elevations from a month ago. Despite the impressive uphill sprint, the trade is clearly questioning the cheese market’s stamina.
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