The Latest: April - 2026
The Short Squeeze Continues
The short squeeze continues. Someone – or several someones – desperately need milk powder and they need it now. USDA’s Dairy Market News reports that prices are high enough that most milk powder users “are only buying loads to meet their immediate needs.” But for those that can’t do without, “it is difficult to find loads.” They bid the spot nonfat dry milk (NDM) market all the way up to $2.26 per pound this week, up 6ȼ from last Friday to a fresh all-time high.
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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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