About 8.1 percent of total domestic cheese production was exported during the first quarter – a very strong number considering that the highest percentage of U.S. cheese production exported on an annual basis has been 7.1 percent. Growing cheese sales abroad is a key part of growing overall U.S. dairy exports.
Domestic cheese prices are showing strength following a year of mostly weak performance, partly due to this recent export strength. Meanwhile, butter prices have been mostly closer to $3/lb. than to $2/lb. since the beginning of 2022.
Feed prices have moderated considerably over the past year, as measured by the Dairy Margin Coverage feed cost formula. Coupled with slowly improving milk prices, they have increased the DMC margin to around the $9.50/cwt maximum Tier 1 coverage level under the program, with further increases likely.
View Full Report
Be the first to comment