NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Dairy product markets softened in October as U.S. prices for butter, cheese, and most powders weakened sharply compared to last year. Butter fell nearly $1 per pound, Cheddar dropped by 50 cents, and 40-pound blocks fell more than 40 cents, reflecting both ample domestic availability and slower product movement. These price declines come even as some value-added dairy exports continue to grow impressively.
June–August dairy export data reveal major gains in high-value categories: butter exports surged 162 percent, American-type cheese shipments jumped 129 percent, and Cheddar exports climbed 131 percent from last year. However, large declines in skim milk powder exports and modest drops in whey protein exports signaled uneven global demand.
Inventories also played a role. Dry skim milk stocks finished August down 12 percent from last year, and dry whey stocks fell 16 percent, tightening supplies in key ingredients despite weaker spot prices.
Regionally, processors reported mixed throughput: cheese plants maintained stronger utilization rates, while powder plants saw reduced volumes.
Looking ahead, global price relationships and tariff uncertainties may continue pushing buyers toward value-added U.S. dairy products.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Weaker U.S. dairy prices come as value-added exports expand and ingredient inventories tighten, creating mixed market signals for producers.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Enforceable origin labels could create clearer premiums for U.S. cattle and address concerns some producers have had with competition from foreign imported beef.
November 12, 2025 12:39 PM
·
Rural businesses report softer sales, tougher hiring, and restrained investment — a backdrop that can pinch farm support capacity even if posted prices cool.
November 12, 2025 12:22 PM
·
Friday’s release will be the first WASDE report in about two months, and early estimates indicate a corn surplus is still on the way.
November 12, 2025 12:16 PM
·
A Reuters report shows China has a soybean “glut,” finding stockpiles at Chinese ports are at record levels, with crushers there holding the most supplies since 2017.
November 12, 2025 10:55 AM
·
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) says recent wins in markets like Malaysia and Cambodia help farmers focus on production rather than trade barriers.
November 11, 2025 03:50 PM
·
Lucia Ruano, USMEF’s Central America representative, discusses what is driving demand for U.S. beef and pork in the region.
November 11, 2025 01:30 PM
·
