With cheese playing a starring role, U.S. dairy product exports capped another strong month in April. Meanwhile, exports of dairy replacement heifers remained in a slump, but hay exports were strong. Here's Progressive Dairy's monthly update on dairy-related products and global markets.

Higher prices and increased cheese exports drove the value of U.S. dairy exports higher in January, according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). However, overall export volumes were down due to supply constraints and higher prices.

Strong global demand and tight supply helped drive U.S. dairy product exports to a second consecutive volume record in 2021 and a new all-time high in value. Export volume in 2021 was equivalent to more than 17% of U.S. milk produced last year, also an all-time high, according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC).

CWT export assistance efforts focus on dairy products that positively impact producers’ milk checks: American-type cheeses, anhydrous milkfat, butter containing 82% butterfat, cream cheese and whole milk powder.

While U.S. dairy product exports are headed for a record year, the ongoing supply chain crisis could cause irreparable harm going forward, dairy industry representatives warn.

The nature of agriculture has changed consistently through the decades, becoming largely a global phenomenon.