Latest News From Cheese

Trent Dado’s phone rang nonstop yesterday with the consistent question, “Is now the time to buy?” The Independent Dairy Nutritionist and Management Consultant says the short answer is, “Probably, yes.”

The Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty has provided additional stimulus for SNAP participants to buy healthy fluid milk by incorporating an innovative Add Milk! Program into select ShopRite stores in New Jersey.

A transition back to rubber boots will be soon coming for Julia Nunes as she is just about ready to finish up her service as the 73rd and 74th Alice in Dairyland.

Through hard work and chasing a goal, the Blase family farm illustrates how farms of any size can capture revenue by sharing their farm experience directly with the consumer.

Dairy Girl Fitness creator, Emily Shaw launched Dairy Girl Fitness, an online personal training and health community that has a growing social media following – as women desire to get fit and healthy.

U.S. dairy exports grew 1% on a milk solids equivalent basis in April, setting a new volume record for the month. The growth was modest, but the value of those exports marked the second-highest monthly value ever.

The milk market over the last several years certainly challenged farmers to remain optimistic. Robin Schmahl with AgDay says that the current positivity in the dairy industry stems from the latest milk production report.

Navigating social, environmental and economic issues facing dairy businesses in a world shifting from COVID-19 restrictions took center stage at the 2022 Dairy Sustainability Alliance® Spring Meeting, held May 18-19.

Milk found a bounce Wednesday despite a down day in cheese.

More than 40% of the milk fat produced in the United States is used to manufacture cheese, and two-thirds of the European Union’s milk production goes into cheese and butter.

With more consumers demanding ‘on-the-go’ options, cheese has increasingly grown under the snacking category. Earlier this month, Sargento Foods signed a definitive agreement to acquire Baker Cheese Factory, Inc.

Milk prices have soared and producers are looking at each line of the milk check to learn just what the money maker is. The takeaway is that strong component prices easily help drive that price per hundredweight up.

USDA announced April’s Class III price to be $24.42/cwt., the third-highest on record. With 2022 forecast showing high prices, it is of no surprise that enrollment in the USDA’s 2022 DMC program showed a decline.

There are a lot of dynamics going beyond just the higher prices we have seen lately in the dairy market. Closely monitoring dairy culling rates, economists look at what the drivers are and where milk prices could go.

Great Lakes Cheese broke ground on a $500 million state-of-the-art manufacturing and packaging plant. Located in Franklinville, N.Y., the nearly 500,000-square-foot facility is expected to be completed in early 2024.

The demand for dairy is evident and the current robust milk futures market has taken notice. Mike North talks about the dynamic dairy market that both the domestic and global demand for U.S. dairy has created.

Despite the U.S. winning its first challenge over dairy with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement agreement in January, Secretary of Agriculture said he is not satisfied with the market access into Canada for dairy products.

If any lessons were learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, it was how to walk on a tightrope while juggling various obstacles. Dairy CEOs spoke about how they managed challenges the last several years at IDFA Dairy Forum.

Krysta Harden, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, today called on Congress and the administration to support a number of specific policy proposals that will help grow U.S. dairy exports.

The nation’s largest dairy cooperative, Dairy Farmers of America, held its annual meeting on March 23 in Kansas City, Missouri. Amongst the challenges DFA is faced with, they also highlighted areas of growth.

Top dairy leaders oppose the bill to legalize the sale of raw milk at dairy farms just passed by the Iowa Senate. If this becomes law, it would be legal to sell raw milk and unpasteurized products.

While the Badger State was home to the largest cheese competition in the world this week, the 2022 World Champion Cheese award went abroad to a gruyere from Switzerland, with a score of 98.424 out of 100.

Strong global demand for dairy continues to push cheese and butter prices to fresh highs.

Milk prices have hit their highest marks since 2014. But the cost of production has eaten into profits. While higher milk prices have sparked encouragement, producers are curious as to how long these prices will last.

Cheddar stole the show, settling nearly 11% higher to an all-time high average price of $2.96 per lb.

JPMorgan voices concern that a spike in energy prices from the Russia-Ukraine crisis would hinder the economy. Dairy producers are wondering how much more inputs will rise, as a $20 plus milk check only goes so far.

Joe Burrow might be best known for his strong arm that is leading his team to the Super Bowl. However, the NFL quarterback is also taking advantage of the spotlight to help draw much needed attention to food insecurity.

Labor shortages are all-to-common and dairy farms across the U.S. have been feeling the pinch. Roger Herrera understands all too well the constant labor headache, but he is committed to become the employer of choice.

Opening a milk check that surpasses $20, a price not seen since 2014, gives producers reasons to cheer. However, most producers wonder if this is all too good to be true and how long will the good times roll.

“Food inflation is a hot topic,” Michael Swanson says noting that overall prices in the category are running at 6% higher than a year ago, whereas typically year-to-year food inflation is 1%.

The statistics are alarming—according to Feeding America, 1 in 7 Americans struggle with hunger. It's estimated 42 million people, including 13 million children, face food insecurity.

Dairy farming is a 24/7, 365-day commitment. At times it can even feel like farmers are literally with their cows nonstop. Nestled in the small Northeast Iowa town, Dan and Lynn Bolin offer an experience to do just that.

Dairy markets are in a tug-o-war with traders pondering the impact of slowing milk production and increasing cheese inventory. Dry products have provided substantial support to both the Class III and Class IV market.

The heartland is bright, beaming with illuminated lights. Dairy farmers are part of a ‘2% club’ that works hard and helps put food on the global table. The lessons learned propel farm kids far in life.

Cheddar prices at today’s Global Dairy Trade event advanced 3.0% to $2.01 per pound.

Under today’s U.S. dairy supply system, relatively small changes in supply generate relatively large changes in prices.

Dairy consumption in the U.S. increased for the third consecutive year. Find out which categories drove this growth.

With the U.S. dairy industry playing a leading role thanks to its 2050 Net Zero goals, two dairy farmers, Charles Krause and Deb Vander Kooi, took the stage at the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) last month.

Held in Las Vegas Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, the 18th Annual MILK Business Conference has a great line-up of speakers and sessions to help dairy producers capitalize on and further develop their strengths to work for them.

Spot cheese tightens as demand for cheese ticks up and labor problems persist.

DMI announced that Tom Gallagher will retire from his three-decade tenure as chief executive officer. A delivered mission of increased sales and trust is the legacy that the longtime CEO says he hopes he leaves behind.

Through curriculum and digital learning, teachers are looking for ways to engage with students, emphasizing on wellness for minds and bodies. The farmer-founded Fuel Up to Play 60 program has a new fresh look.

Exploring careers and gaining dairy knowledge brought 31 Jersey youth from 15 states together for the Jersey Youth Academy in Ohio last week.

The USDA has reduced its milk production forecast for this year.

While Richard Clauss is one of the dairy industry’s most notable individuals and recently named the 78th recipient of the Master Breeder award of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA).

Known for its award-winning cheeses and clear mission, Rogue Creamery was recently named the Outstanding Dairy Processing and Manufacturing Sustainability Award winner presented by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

Weyauwega Star Dairy has unofficially broke its own record for the world’s longest piece of string cheese at 3,832 feet.

Purchasing a couple of Jersey cows from a local sale barn in 1984 for their children, my in-laws Jim and Wanda Bohnert helped start a small 4-H project for their two sons, my husband, Scott, and his brother, Brian

Dairy farmers lace up their boots and head to the barn 365 days a year, even on a national holiday. While farmers don’t stop farming for Memorial Day, they do proudly illustrate the pride they have for their country.

In preparing for National Dairy Month in June, the National Dairy Checkoff organization, is focusing its marketing efforts on the next generation, Generation Z, which includes youths between the ages of 10 and 23.