The Latest: June - 2026
Milk Continues to Gush Across the U.S.
Milk continues to gush across the U.S., though the pace of growth has slowed somewhat. USDA’s most recent Milk Production report, released earlier this week, showed that volumes across the U.S. ticked up by 2.3% year over year in May. Once adjusted for component growth the increase is likely to be even larger.
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The gains were driven by impressive improvements in milk production per cow. Higher prices and mild weather have boosted milk output.
View reportSpot Cheddar is still at a rather lofty perch and spot barrels have the highest value in more than five years. The markets are doing their job.
View reportCME spot Cheddar barrels reached a five-year high, then the bids dried up.
View reportThe Cheddar market was already red hot, but barrels pushed the mercury even higher this week.
View reportFresh cheese is tight, and the markets seem to have someone – or several someones – over a barrel. High prices are working to trim demand at the margins, boost production, and attract imports.
View reportJudgment is further clouded by stupefying volatility and a sense of déjà vu. Sky-high cheese prices are simply difficult to sustain.
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