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
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
January 06, 2026 01:28 PM
·
Corn export strength remains a key demand anchor, while China’s continued involvement in soybeans and sorghum bears close watching for price direction.
January 06, 2026 01:12 PM
·
Strong crush demand and rising ethanol production are pressuring feedstocks, as traders monitor storage risks and supply chain uncertainty and await the upcoming January WASDE report.
January 06, 2026 01:04 PM
·
The U.S. Meat Export Federation plans to expand its global market presence in the New Year and says it is focusing its appeal on the growing middle class worldwide.
January 06, 2026 12:21 PM
·
Preserving equity through active risk management remains critical in a volatile, supply-driven market.
January 06, 2026 06:00 AM
·
USDA data indicates that 13.7 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest rate since 2014, even as most households remained food secure.
January 05, 2026 03:58 PM
·
