Markets - General
Milk cow, heifer and beef-on-dairy calf prices are all holding at historically strong levels as tight replacement supplies keep values elevated across the dairy cattle market.
With milk checks tight, dairy farmers are finding relief in the high-dollar value of beef-on-dairy calves.
Demand for fermented products, whey proteins, butterfat and whole milk expected to remain strong.
With milk prices under pressure and global supply weighing on margins, analysts say Dairy Margin Coverage is likely to provide early financial support for producers in 2026.
Livestock market historians will likely record 2025 as the year prices exploded.
A new year hasn’t brought a reset for Class III milk, with persistent oversupply keeping the market under pressure.
Low costs, recent expansions, high beef prices and government programs are mitigating the impact of low milk prices
The dairy market has had a tough run for the majority of 2025. As we approach the new year, is there any hope for prices going forward? The USDA seems to believe that growth is yet to come.
Three market analysts and dairy leaders break down what’s pressuring milk prices, what’s driving cattle prices and why grain markets can’t find clarity.
The October Milk Production report had a surprising change from the September report released earlier this month. Cow numbers declined a shocking 7,000 head. The first time we have seen a pull back in cow numbers since December 2024.
Despite the strong political rhetoric at the center of cattle and beef prices, as well as meatpackers seeing major losses, economists say rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd will be the slowest in history.
The USDA released the long-awaited Milk Production Report Monday, releasing data from September 2025. Milk Production is up 4.2 percent from September 2024, and demand is not keeping up.
Last month, the Holstein springer market potentially reached a historic peak. Although the values remain relatively robust, a nationwide decline has been observed, affecting all reported markets.
The current assessment of the CME markets reveals a largely range-bound status, yet this doesn’t mask the underlying shifts and trends that we should be mindful of.
With kids returning to school, bottling production is ramping up amid tightening spot milk supply, raising the question of whether this is a short-term issue or a longer-term trend.
While spot block prices experienced a marginal increase, giving a push to cheese futures, Class III prices didn’t fare as well.
Dairy markets opened the week on a stronger note, with cheese and butter prices rebounding and Class III and IV futures gaining momentum.
Despite softer spot cheese prices, tight milk supplies and steady demand continue to underpin market strength.
Cheese prices climbed to their highest level in nearly two months, while Class III futures and butter prices moved lower.
Spot cheese prices pushed higher, lifting September Class III, while butter losses brought Class III and IV prices closer to parity.
After a strong start to the week, the spot cheese market slowed, but Class III futures continued to climb, supported by bullish sentiment in feeder cattle and a brief dip in corn below $4.00
CME spot cheese prices climbed to their highest levels since mid-June, fueled by record U.S. export demand, though futures markets remained cautious.
Spot cheese prices surged to their highest levels since June, fueling a sharp rally in Class III futures as traders look ahead to the upcoming June trade data report.
Cheese prices climbed above $1.70 for the first time in a month, lifting nearby Class III futures, while 2026 contracts slid to their lowest level since April.
Spot cheese remained steady in the $1.60s as Class III futures traded at a premium, with the August-September spread driving volume and signaling continued market positioning.
Rising cheese inventories pressured futures markets despite active spot trading, while butter prices and contracts continued to decline amid lackluster demand.
September Class III milk futures fell sharply despite heightened spot block trading activity, as broader dairy and grain markets showed mixed movement.