A tightening cheese supply is sending prices higher globally.
This month cheddar block prices reached $2.27 per pound. Cobank says that is the highest price in 27 months.
Class III Milk futures are also on the rise, with the bundle average reaching $22.90 in the week following Labor Day. While higher prices moving into the fall is great, traders do not believe they will hang around for long.
CME has the four-month average for January to April 2025 Class III features at just $19.80.
Related Stories
Clearer 45Z rules favor U.S. oilseeds, but final RFS volumes remain critical to locking in demand.
Even small declines in the calf crop translate into sustained supply pressure, supporting cattle prices over multiple years.
Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.
Winter Weather And Markets Reshape Agriculture Nationwide This Week
Shrinking sheep numbers contrast with gradual goat expansion, signaling tighter lamb supplies but steadier growth potential for meat goats.
Falling livestock prices, combined with higher input costs, continue to squeeze farm profitability heading into 2026.