If we’re just looking at volume, the export outlook for the second half of 2024 and early 2025 is generally steady, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
We have seen some very dramatic fluctuations in dairy farm input costs in the past four years, and while some costs have come down, not all of them have and most remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Farm milk production is stepping down gradually in most areas of the country, reports Dairy Market News for the week of June 11 to 15. The publication from the USDA says that "most areas also report bottled milk demand is heading toward the summer doldrums." USDA also notes that production schedules at cheese plants are slowing as milk supplies appear to have passed the peak Spring flush.