Dairy Market Update (2.21.25)U.S. Milk Production and Supply Adjustments
The USDA has revised its U.S. milk production forecast for 2025 downward to 229.2 billion pounds, reflecting a 0.5-billion-pound reduction from previous estimates. This adjustment is due to a slower-than-expected increase in milk output per cow and ongoing reductions in the national dairy herd. Rising feed costs and tight margins have contributed to a more cautious expansion strategy among dairy producers.
Cheese and Butter Price Forecasts
The updated WASDE report projects mixed price movements across major dairy products:
Cheese prices CME:CSC1! are expected to average $1.79 per pound, down slightly due to softer domestic demand and increased competition from imports.
Butter prices NZX:BTR1! are forecasted at $2.54 per pound, reflecting strong consumer demand and tighter domestic inventories.
Nonfat dry milk (NFDM) and whey prices remain stable, with minor adjustments driven by export trends and global production levels.
U.S. Dairy Exports and Global Trade Trends
The U.S. dairy export outlook has softened slightly, with total dairy exports projected at 4.9 billion pounds in 2025, reflecting weaker demand from key international markets. China’s dairy imports are expected to remain subdued due to high domestic milk powder inventories and slower economic growth. Mexico continues to be a strong buyer of U.S. dairy products, particularly cheese and NFDM, supporting export stability. The European Union and New Zealand remain competitive in global dairy markets, challenging U.S. pricing power in certain categories.
Price Outlook and Market Implications
The all-milk price forecast for 2025 has been adjusted to $19.85 per hundredweight (cwt), reflecting a $0.25 decline from prior estimates. Global dairy market volatility, particularly in trade-sensitive products like whey and NFDM, could influence price movements in the coming months. Potential shifts in U.S. farm policy and trade agreements may also impact dairy market dynamics, as discussions on export incentives and tariff adjustments continue.
Investment Considerations
For traders and investors, the dairy market presents multiple areas of interest:
• Futures and Options Trading: The volatility in milk and butter prices could create opportunities in dairy futures markets.
• Agribusiness and Processing Stocks: Companies involved in dairy production, processing, and exports may see earnings fluctuations based on price and trade developments.
• Feed and Input Costs: Rising feed costs could pressure dairy farm margins, affecting profitability and long-term supply trends.
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