The momentum of U.S. dairy exports in 2025 carried on as the calendar turned to 2026. January proved international interest in U.S. dairy products remains as year-over-year growth reached 12% in milk solids equivalent volume, with cheese and butterfat continuing to lead the way.

USDA’s March WASDE raised 2025 milk production to 231.7 billion pounds and forecasts 234.7 billion pounds for 2026. Dairy prices strengthen, beef prices rise and most feed prices remain steady.

In January, the national conversation around nutrition reached a turning point. On Jan. 7, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the USDA released the 2025-30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Additionally, a reimagined food pyramid was released to reflect a renewed focus on nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods.

Since the July 2025 WASDE, corn-harvested area has surged 4.5 million acres. Notably, the record corn crop in 2025 exceeds the prior high set in 2023 by 1.7 billion bushels or over 40 million tons.

The U.S. departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture released the 2025-30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, signaling a shift in federal nutrition policy toward whole, nutrient-dense foods and away from highly processed foods.

Obesity sparks intense debates, but a subtler shift is reshaping the dairy industry. GLP-1 medications, originally designed for diabetes, have surged into prominence for weight loss. GLP-1 drugs are set to redefine not just bodies but food markets, including dairy.

In dairy-related news as 2025 comes to a close: Dairy industry praises Julie Callahan confirmation as chief agricultural negotiator, milkfat supply outpaces demand in recent months, and genetic sequencing results released for Wisconsin dairy herd detection of HPAI.

USDA data show Americans’ per capita consumption of dairy is up 0.6% over the past five years, 8% over the past 15 years and 12% over the past 30 years.

In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the third week of December 2025: The Class I base milk price slumps to start 2026, fluid milk sales are down slightly in October, and the GDT index drops for ninth consecutive event.