The dairy product export scene was both good and bad in May. Despite U.S. cheese exports setting yet another record for volume shipped in a single month, and others like butterfat, milk powder and high-protein whey posting year-over-year gains, shipments of low-protein whey and lactose to China plunged and caused a 2% decline in total year-over-year milk solids equivalent (MSE) exports.

The June Feed Outlook report shows corn ending stocks for 2024-25 are lowered as export outlook strengthens. Ahead of the end of June USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Grain Stocks report and Acreage reports, limited changes to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 balance sheets are described in the mid-June World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report.

If you have tuned into the news recently, you may have noticed that the road has gotten a little bumpy.

In news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the third week of June 2025: July’s Class I base milk price climbs to $18.82 per cwt, the Canadian government passes bill to protect dairy in future trade talks, fluid milk sales and GDT are down, and scholarships are available to dairy producers attending YDLI.

The June World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (WASDE) showed the 2025-26 U.S. corn outlook is little changed from last month, with lower beginning and ending stocks. Corn area and yield forecasts are unchanged. The USDA will release its Acreage report on June 30, which will provide survey-based indications of planted and harvested area.

In the Weekly Digest: Culver’s offers free frozen custard to dairy farmers, the Senate agriculture committee released its budget reconciliation text, NMPF recaps its board of directors meeting, and Rabobank provides a global dairy supply and demand report.

As predicted, April faced headwinds against looming trade wars and strong performances seen in April of last year. U.S. dairy product export volume fell 5% year over year in April and was down 1.5% year to date.

In news affecting dairy farmers' bottom lines at the start of June 2025: The Senate Ag Committee advances the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, Darigold opens largest dairy processing facility in the Northwest, and farmer sentiment reaches a four-year high.