Dairy Markets See Lower Butter And Cheese Prices

Disease risks remain a key factor to watch heading into fall.

butter Cristen Clark_FarmHER S1_Ep 11

FarmHER Cristen Clark (Season 1, Episode 11)

FarmHER, Inc.

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.
Related Stories
Richlands Dairy & Creamery says its direct-from-farm model is helping connect consumers more closely to where their food comes from.
Strong rail and ocean demand support grain movement, but weak barge traffic and high diesel costs keep freight pressure elevated.
Corn exports remained active the week of May 7, but weak soybean, cotton, and sorghum sales kept attention on China and late-year demand.
USDA officials are increasing surveillance and sterile fly dispersal efforts as New World screwworm cases continue growing in Mexico near the Texas border.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Cotton growers can use the survey to compare nutrient, herbicide, and pest-management practices against national production benchmarks.
Higher food costs are showing up beyond the grocery aisle, with some major restaurant chains shrinking their U.S. footprint.
Drought and Planting Shape Weekly State Agriculture Recap
Tennessee 4-H’ers Allie Paschall and Ramey Boone join us to discuss summer opportunities in 4-H, youth leadership development, and community involvement across Tennessee.
Brad Anderson with AARP joined us to preview AARP Live and discuss the importance of disaster preparedness and family planning.
North Dakota FFA President Cole Anderson joins us to discuss the upcoming state convention, leadership lessons, and what FFA means to students across the state.