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
The Court may limit emergency tariff powers, complicating a key bargaining tool; ag could see shifts in input costs and export dynamics as China, Brazil, and India talks evolve.
November 06, 2025 10:04 AM
·
U.S. sugar producers and processors should brace for price pressure and challenging export logistics with global sugar supply ramping up — driven by Brazil, India, and Thailand — especially at the raw processing level.
November 05, 2025 01:02 PM
·
Host of
RealAg Radio Shaun Haney discusses how the proposed reductions to agriculture programs in Canada’s new budget could affect research and support programs that farmers need.
November 05, 2025 12:40 PM
·
The Farm Bureau urges trade enforcement, biofuel growth, fair input pricing, and pro-farmer policy reforms to restore long-term certainty.
November 05, 2025 11:41 AM
·
Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
November 04, 2025 01:45 PM
·
RaboResearch says China’s pivot from mass production to innovation-driven growth could reshape global pesticide supply chains — and influence prices and product access for U.S. farmers in the coming years.
November 04, 2025 01:20 PM
·
