The Latest: October - 2026
Dairy Markets Dramatic Swing
It was a wild week on LaSalle as the dairy markets swung dramatically. After dipping to multi-year lows in recent weeks both cheese and butter spot values found traction at the CME. Meanwhile, dry whey continued its upward campaign, rising to a new record high. Only nonfat dry milk prices retreated, though they remain very strong compared to historical standards.
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Revenues improved throughout the year. Although not sufficient to undo years of financial distress, it is the highest revenue since 2014 and worthy of celebration.
View reportThe market did its job, encouraging production, discouraging sales, and returning to equilibrium at more sustainable values.
View reportPass the egg nog, please. USDA announced the highest Class III price in five years. That’s a lot of Christmas cheer heading for dairy producers’ mailboxes. The butter market, however, is suffering a holiday hangover.
View reportThe 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.
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