Latest News From Cheese

Cheese Prices See a Daring Decent
Cheese Prices See a Daring Decent

Cheese continued its descent on Monday as cheddar blocks fell 2.50 cents and barrels were down 2.75 cents. Class III values also reacted in a weaker tone. 

Margin and Cost Improvements Not Good Enough
Margin and Cost Improvements Not Good Enough

Depooling, new cheese production capacity, lower component prices all take toll on income.

Will Dairy Exports Make Better Headway in 2024?
Will Dairy Exports Make Better Headway in 2024?

Krysta Harden with USDEC told those attending High Plains Dairy Conference in Amarillo, Texas the financial well-being of the U.S. dairy farmer will be critical to U.S. export success in 2024.

Milk Markets End Rough Week on a Low Note
Milk Markets End Rough Week on a Low Note

Milk markets closed a very rough week in similar fashion on Friday.

South Dakota Governor Supports the State's Massive Dairy Industry Growth
South Dakota Governor Supports the State's Massive Dairy Industry Growth

Travel the I-29 corridor and you’ll see an explosion of dairy cattle. As of January 2024, USDA announced that the total number of dairy cows in South Dakota totals 208,000, up 70.5% since 2019.

Milk Production Drops for The Seventh Month in A Row
Milk Production Drops for The Seventh Month in A Row

For the seventh consecutive month, U.S. milk production dropped. Also following suit was a decline in cow numbers, the lowest total since November 2019.

Will Class IV Prices Actually Be Higher Than Class III This Year?
Will Class IV Prices Actually Be Higher Than Class III This Year?

There is great optimism that butter prices will be higher than cheese prices this year.

Milk Prices See Little Recovery: Weaker Supply Balanced by Slower Demand
Milk Prices See Little Recovery: Weaker Supply Balanced by Slower Demand

While the calendar flipped to 2024 weeks ago, there has been little change in dairy market sentiment since the beginning of this year. Globally, the industry continues to walk a tightrope of limited ‘new’ milk.

2024 Milk Production Forecast Reduced, All-Milk Price Looks More Encouraging
2024 Milk Production Forecast Reduced, All-Milk Price Looks More Encouraging

Recently, the USDA lowered its milk production forecast for 2024 due to lower expected output per cow, which is partly offset by higher cow inventories.

Class IV Prices Push Over the $20 Mark
Class IV Prices Push Over the $20 Mark

Milk markets continue to widen the Class IV/III spread as Class IV holds over $20 for 2024 calendar and Class III milk bounces around.

China Flag
China Expected to be Growth Engine for Global Cheese Trade

China’s annual per capita cheese consumption sits at 0.2 kg., or less than half a pound. However, this number is projected to see growth with the Chinese cheese market seeing a healthy pipeline of investment activity.

Butter Drives Milk Markets Higher
Butter Drives Milk Markets Higher

Butter drove the dairy markets higher Thursday with the CME spot trade gaining 11 cents to finish at $2.68 3/4.

Production Remains Strong Despite Fewer Cows, Just Take a Look
Production Remains Strong Despite Fewer Cows, Just Take a Look

Producers want to know: “Why is milk production remaining high even with lower milk prices and farms going out of business?”

Global Demand for Cheese Continues to Climb
Global Demand for Cheese Continues to Climb

2024 should be a good year for U.S. cheese exporters.

Dairy Farmers Could Face Another Year of Disturbingly Low Milk Prices
Dairy Farmers Could Face Another Year of Disturbingly Low Milk Prices

The hope is that depressed milk prices will be short lived. However, without a significant increase in demand or tighter milk supply or both, low prices may be with us for a longer duration.

Pizza With 1,001 Varieties of Cheese Breaks World Record
Pizza With 1,001 Varieties of Cheese Breaks World Record

While most cheese pizzas are topped with 2-3 different kinds of cheese, sports 1,001 different varieties - breaking the previous world record.

Are Milk Prices Ready to Rebound?
Are Milk Prices Ready to Rebound?

Just how low will milk prices go? Slower exports, weaker demand and global inflation have all been an anchor on the potential for higher dairy product prices. Will we finally start to see some relief in 2024?

Milk Prices Continue to Fall Ahead of Holidays
Milk Prices Continue to Fall Ahead of Holidays

Dairy markets continued their descent on Monday following another day of weak cheese performance on the CME spot dairy auction. 

Mexico’s Dairy Demand to Grow in 2024
Mexico’s Dairy Demand to Grow in 2024

A growing population and an increase in consumer purchasing power in Mexico will support U.S. exports

America’s Love Affair with Dairy Continues as Cheese Consumption Hits All-Time High in 2022
America’s Love Affair with Dairy Continues as Cheese Consumption Hits All-Time High in 2022

Americans are consuming record amounts of cheese, contributing to one of the strongest years on record for U.S. dairy consumption

Mooney and Mulhern Celebrate Unity at the 2023 Joint Annual Dairy Meetings
Mooney and Mulhern Celebrate Unity at the 2023 Joint Annual Dairy Meetings

Last week in Orlando, Fla., NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney spoke about the ongoing challenges dairy farmers face, including the razor-thin operating. Still, Mooney spoke about why he remains optimistic about dairy's future.

National Dairy Checkoff’s CEO, Barb O’Brien Talks Sustainability, Retail Future
National Dairy Checkoff’s CEO, Barb O’Brien Talks Sustainability, Retail Future

When it comes to whether the glass is half full or half empty, Barb O’Brien, the president and chief executive officer of Dairy Management, Inc. says the opportunity for dairy is overflowingly abundant.

Young Wisconsin Brothers Break Record for World’s Largest Grilled Cheese
Young Wisconsin Brothers Break Record for World’s Largest Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese is a staple food for children across America. But two Wisconsin brothers decided to take their version of grilled cheese sandwich to the next level.

Florida Company Breaks Record for World’s Largest Charcuterie Board
Florida Company Breaks Record for World’s Largest Charcuterie Board

How much cheese does it take to craft the world’s largest charcuterie board?

A Bright Future Ahead for Cooperatives Working Together
A Bright Future Ahead for Cooperatives Working Together

Launched in 2003, the Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) program is designed to promote the sale of U.S. dairy products to oversee customers and a program that NMPF says moves a billion lbs. of product annually.

One-on-One Conversation About Exports with DMI Chair, Marilyn Hershey
One-on-One Conversation About Exports with DMI Chair, Marilyn Hershey

Dairy farmer and DMI chair, Marilyn Hershey says it’s vital to maintain those that help solidify the value of U.S. dairy products. Exports have grown over the past twenty years from 4 percent to around 20 percent.

What’s Ahead for the Remainder of 2023 for Dairy?
What’s Ahead for the Remainder of 2023 for Dairy?

At the farmgate, recent milk checks have been downright ugly for many producers across the U.S., with revenues well below production costs in a challenging year. But what’s ahead for the remainder of 2023?

“Cave-Aged” Blue Cheese Breaks World Record for Most Expensive Cheese
“Cave-Aged” Blue Cheese Breaks World Record for Most Expensive Cheese

Would you pay $32,000 for "cave-aged" blue cheese?

Redhead Creamery Pushes Sustainability Efforts Forward
Redhead Creamery Pushes Sustainability Efforts Forward

When it comes to sustainability, longevity is certainly part of the equation at Redhead Creamery. This farm proves is investing on both sides of their businesses to drive their dairy forward.

Cheese Prices Take a Dramatic Change Higher
Cheese Prices Take a Dramatic Change Higher

Cheese prices made a dramatic turn over the past month as buyers turned aggressive.

Hagenow Elated About Her Alice in Dairyland Role and the Opportunities to Promote Dairy
Hagenow Elated About Her Alice in Dairyland Role and the Opportunities to Promote Dairy

Recently, Ashley Hagenow traded in her rubber boots for heels as she was selected to serve as the 76th Alice in Dairyland. She will promote Wisconsin agriculture across the Badger State throughout the next year.

On Strike: New Dairy Select Milk Employees Protesting Over Health Care Plan
On Strike: New Dairy Select Milk Employees Protesting Over Health Care Plan

Workers who help produce sour cream for brands, including Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Hello Fresh, have gone on strike. Teamsters Local 662 members at New Dairy Select Milk, a subsidiary of Borden Dairy are striking.

Dairy Markets Continue to Be At Risk
Dairy Markets Continue to Be At Risk

Dairy markets continue to be in peril. On the CME Dairy Spot Call, the block-barrel spread shrunk some more as barrels came down over 3 cents while blocks were the same.

Minnesota Dairy Plant Announces Big Expansion Plans
Minnesota Dairy Plant Announces Big Expansion Plans

Bongards Creameries, a leading national cheese and whey manufacture recently announced a $125 million expansion project. The project will increase the plant’s capacity to take in 5.5 million lbs. of milk per day.

Commodity Markets Continue to Prove Volatile
Commodity Markets Continue to Prove Volatile

Volatility continues to run rampant through commodity markets. Rains in the Midwest have given dairy producers a breather on the run for higher corn and soybean meal prices, but it also fizzles out the support in milk.

Dairy Exports Facing Headwinds in 2023
Dairy Exports Facing Headwinds in 2023

With the U.S. dairy exports documenting their worst year-over-year decline in four years, Ben Laine with Terrain says the headwinds facing dairy exports side of the equation is what concerns him the most right now.

A Checkoff Success: Grilled Cheese Burrito Becomes Permanent Item on Taco Bell’s Menu
A Checkoff Success: Grilled Cheese Burrito Becomes Permanent Item on Taco Bell’s Menu

Cheese lovers from coast to coast are rejoicing with the news that the “Grilled Cheese Burrito” has become a permanent item on Taco Bell’s menu.

Midwest Dairy Producers Forced to Dump Milk
Midwest Dairy Producers Forced to Dump Milk

With much of the Upper Midwest processing capacity maxed out in terms of milk production, finding a new home for milk is not an easy task. This is causing dairy farms to dump milk due to the oversupply. 

Illinois Farmer’s Daughter Kicks Off Undeniably Dairy Cheese Pull Contest
Illinois Farmer’s Daughter Kicks Off Undeniably Dairy Cheese Pull Contest

An Illinois farmer’s daughter, Cassie Bohnert from East Moline, made a TikTok video to promote the Cheese Pull Contest sponsored by Midwest Dairy and Illinois High School Association.

Q&A with the president and CEO of Tillamook County Creamery Association
Q&A with the president and CEO of Tillamook County Creamery Association

The president and CEO of Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), Patrick Criteser shares his career path, advice, lessons learned and more in a casual sit-down conversation.

All Signs Lead to South Dakota
All Signs Lead to South Dakota

The dairy industry has been impacted by overtime labor rules, rigorous permitting processes and the shortage of water. As a result, cows are migrating toward areas like South Dakota, who has seen tremendous growth.

NMPF’s Jim Mulhern Discusses Federal Milk Marketing Orders Modernization Proposal
NMPF’s Jim Mulhern Discusses Federal Milk Marketing Orders Modernization Proposal

Recently, NMPF president and CEO, Jim Mulhern, spoke to AgriTalk’s host, Chip Flory, about federal milk marketing orders. NMPF has requested a national hearing to amend five pricing provisions under the FMMO.

Here Ye, Here Ye, King Charles Loves Cheese
Here Ye, Here Ye, King Charles Loves Cheese

Buckingham Palace recently announced that the Coronation of His Majesty the King will take place this coming Saturday, May 6. As a result, there is an expected surge in both dairy and meat sales in the United Kingdom.

What is the Current Grade of Dairy Conditions in 2023?
What is the Current Grade of Dairy Conditions in 2023?

The 2023 calendar year is off to a fast start and 90 days into the New Year leading economists say that milk production has been weaker than anticipated.

Pork is the Winner for Easter Dinner
Pork is the Winner for Easter Dinner

Pork will be at the center of the plate for many, including our family, this Easter Sunday. Here's a look at why pork's leading the way and some of our favorite Easter recipes.

Fueled by Passion and Commitment, Dairy Exports Grow
Fueled by Passion and Commitment, Dairy Exports Grow

One reason dairy exports showcased record values in 2022 and overcome hefty challenges like inflations and supply chain hiccups was because of the steadfast passion and commitment backed behind it.

Why Are Cheese Inventories Not Increasing?
Why Are Cheese Inventories Not Increasing?

Spot milk prices continue to remain lower than usual since the end of last year. Many plants are not purchasing the available milk even though plant capacity is not fully utilized.

USDA Seeks Nominees for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board
USDA Seeks Nominees for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominees for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. The deadline for nominations is April 28, 2023.

Grande Cheese Company Acquires Another Wisconsin Plant
Grande Cheese Company Acquires Another Wisconsin Plant

A manufacturer of Italian cheese, Grande Cheese Company announced earlier this week that it has acquired the former Foremost Farms cheese plant in Chilton, Wis., which will further enhance its manufacturing capabilities.

Dairy Max Forges NIL Deals with Collegiate Athletes
Dairy Max Forges NIL Deals with Collegiate Athletes

While the NCAA rules regarding the NCAA name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies have caused a controversy, this monumental shift presents an incredible opportunity for brands to target a wide demographic of consumers.