The Latest: September - 2026
Protein Reigns Supreme in the GLP-1 Era
Protein reigns supreme over the dairy complex. In the GLP-1 era, consumers are hungry for protein in all forms, and dairy delivers. Whey proteins are particularly desirable thanks to their neutral flavor. Food processors covet whey powders, protein concentrates (WPCs), and protein isolates (WPIs) as they seek to improve nutritional labels without sacrificing on taste or texture. Demand for WPC with at least 80% protein has faded as prices have climbed high enough to push buyers to alternative sources, including milk protein concentrate. But food makers continue to snap up WPC-34 and WPIs.
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Cheddar markets lost a lot of ground, but tried to put up a fight. Barrels regained some territory signaling that the market is fumbling about for fair value.
View reportCheesemakers are still going strong, and spot milk continues to move in the Midwest. However, demand is lackluster with foodservice outlets pulling back on orders in some areas.
View reportAlthough cheese prices are much lower now than they were in June, cheese vats remain full. The other dairy markets tumbled this week as well and the futures bled copious red ink.
View reportAlthough things had started to bounce back in June, the fledgling economy recovery seems to have stalled in July as the virus rages on. The initial panic has calmed, but the pandemic will continue to disrupt the dairy industry in myriad ways.
View reportCheddar blocks have lost ground every day since they topped out less than two weeks ago. Still, there is more than enough cheese to meet demand, even if manufacturers dug into inventories last month.
View reportOn Monday they sprinted straight uphill to a record-shattering price. Their journey to that point is an astounding feat of strength and stamina but by the end of the week, prices had fallen far enough to attract buyers.
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