NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV)— U.S. dairy markets are under pressure as butter and cheese prices both declined this week, according to USDA and CME data.
Butter fell to its lowest level since November 2021 on sharply higher supply, while cheese markets also slid, with analysts noting exports remain competitive, but any further weakness could spur renewed domestic demand.
Shell egg prices held steady in most regions, though West Coast markets eased slightly. Supplies have improved, but seasonal demand and rising Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) cases — eight confirmed by USDA in the past 30 days — are keeping markets firm.
Meanwhile, U.S. milk production remains strong, with July output up 3.4 percent year-over-year, the largest gain since May 2021, supported by high butterfat levels.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Farmers face lower returns on butter and cheese, but strong milk production and steady egg demand help balance the market. Disease risks remain a key factor to watch heading into fall.
Aimee Bissell discusses Iowa planting progress, weather conditions, fertilizer costs, and concerns over early crop development.
Dr. David Anderson says lean beef demand and lighter cow culling are still giving cull cow prices room to push higher.
Stronger overseas demand for both fuel ethanol and feed co-products continues to reinforce corn use beyond the domestic market.
Based on USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, pork exports increased by six percent in March compared to the previous year, while beef exports weakened overall.
Autumn Lankford Higgins with the Farm Bureau joins us to discuss data center expansion on farmland, rural policy considerations, and the role of agriculture in emerging digital infrastructure.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney joins us to discuss geopolitical trade tensions, energy market volatility, and what global shifts could mean for U.S. agriculture exports.
