Latest News From Cheese

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The recent movement of barrel cheese is similar to some previous moves over the past two years. Each time price peaked and fell faster than it increased. Will this pattern again be repeated?

Agri-Mark Chairman of the Board, James “Cricket” Jacquier, announced that David Lynn has been named President and CEO of the cooperative ensuring a seamless leadership transition.

Despite challenges, U.S. dairy exports set new volume and value records again in 2022. Export volume in 2022 reached an all-time high. Following suite, export value finished the year up 25% to $9.6 billion.

The ‘Dairy Consumers of the Future: Changing Focus to Components’ report showcases that there are going to be some big population shifts in the U.S., with an aging and diversifying population.

A fire broke out at an Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) cheese processing and packaging plant in Portage, Wis., late in the evening on Monday, Jan. 2. 

Spot cheese rallied on Thursday in the CME spot dairy auction after an open and closed session yesterday.

The U.S. butter inventory finished November at 200 million pounds.

To continue being a part of the 2% of dairy farmers that feed the world, we need you all to continue being bold with your decision-making to move your dairy forward. Register today for the Milk Business Conference today!

President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), Krysta Harden shares that even through the toughest of times, U.S. dairy exports grew, and she believes that number will continue to rise. 

At a moment when U.S. dairy exports are increasing, the light shines big on the United States, as it was announced the International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit will be held in Chicago Oct. 16-19, 2023.

CME spot dairy index prices performed stronger on Friday as cheese led the way.

The consumer no longer can absorb higher costs. Tanner Ehmke with CoBank says that lighter foot traffic is seen in some grocery stores, while discount retailers have seen a significant increase in foot traffic.

Connecting dairy’s story and products with consumers is a key ingredient when partnering with retail stores. Midwest Dairy was recognized for its efforts in this area by a leading Midwest retailer earlier this fall.

DMI is modernizing the checkoff strategy with a fresh organizational structure and a new three-year plan and budget that delivers immediate results and lays ground for long-term benefits for farmers and importers.

It certainly has not seemed like there's been a seasonality to cheese prices this year, but price movement shows otherwise. However, milk futures have not reflected that due to an overall bearishness in the market.

National Dairy Checkoff announced that they will continue their partnership with MrBeast. The YouTube star has a huge following with one video view count surpassing the total number of Netflix subscribers.

National Dairy Checkoff marketing strategy took a 180 turn about 15 years ago, and partnering with companies like these have played a crucial role in building the demand for dairy products.

Despite higher spot cheese prices, class III milk futures moved lower and may be potentially concerned after holiday demand season comes to an end.

A shortage of fresh barrel cheese has been driving the inverted price spread.

Tom Vilsack celebrated the fact that we now have hit a historical milestone by reaching the highest dairy consumption in the U.S. Vilsack spoke talked about the importance dairy plays in feeding a growing population.

Cheese and butter prices continue to hold a large price difference with butter around $1.00 higher than cheese. One reason for this is the substantial difference in inventory levels between cheese and butter.

Earlier today, Hilmar broke ground on their western Kansas future cheese and whey protein processing plant. The new facility is expected to create 250 new jobs and represent $600 million in capital investments.

Both American cheese and butter have been on an upward trend for the last 11 years.

Even with strong export demand and overall domestic demand holding well, there is still too much cheese.

Class III futures markets settled double digits higher September through December 2022 and added a little premium following the USDA released reports.

While dishing up meals in Styrofoam to-go containers happens simultaneously with the roar of a diesel tractor, signing its harvest season, some farm families go with plan B.

Dairy farms are a hustling and bustling place. Last year, the Berning family in Illinois opened their dairy farm barn doors and offer Farm Camp for kids of all ages. Camp includes farm chores, scavenger hunts and more.

A big opportunity for forward-thinking, elite businesses is to attend the 20th Anniversary of the Milk Business Conference at the Paris Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas December 13-15, 2022.

In Iowa’s capitol, the 69th Iowa Dairy Princess was crowned. The 2022-23 Iowa goodwill ambassador is Naomi Scott from Westgate, who will connect with consumers all year long, promoting dairy.

Pizza Hut and its parent company Yum! Brands are partnering with DFA and dairy suppliers to provide participating farmers with the technology and data needed to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

No longer able to support continued production, Borden Dairy Co. has announced plans to close two of its plants doors in Alabama and Mississippi on Sept. 30.

The lawsuit filed on July 29 in the U.S. District Court in Vermont, claims that DFA has created a market that has many sellers, but only one single buyer—a monopsony—across Vermont and in 10 other northeast states.

Last week, the Federal Reserve enacted another 0.75%-point interest rate increase to help combat high inflation rate. This increase in interest rates adds an additional cost that the farmer must carry.

AgDay’s Michelle Rook sits down with John Heinberg from Total Farm Marketing to discuss why milk prices might be headed in the wrong direction.

Despite a weaker CME spot dairy market on Monday, futures performed well. 

U.S. milk production is on pace to end the year slightly below a year ago.

The Mega Millions jackpot has hit its second-highest amount ever at $1.1 Billion. Most farmers wouldn’t have to think twice about how they’d start spinning the Mega Millions jackpot if they won.

Dream of making cheese as a business? Then you may be interested in participating in the Michigan State University Extension Artisan Cheese Workshop.

As we soon will be flipping the calendar to August, you likely already have your chopper in the shop. Mike North, president with ever.ag says there is a narrow window to get things priced in terms of silage.

Tuesday’s spot dairy product session was higher and Class III milk futures surge forward.

Markets begin the week on the right foot, including Class III and IV milk markets - as prices ended in the green.

The nationwide Adopt-A-Cow program connects local dairy farmers with K-12 classrooms, allowing them to “adopt” one of the calves on the farmer’s dairy farm.

Americans are seeing a once-in-a-generation price spikes at the grocery store. The picture is mixed when looking at how Inflation has affected dairy in comparison to other food products.