We have mentioned something about stabilization in several issues of the newsletter. Well, there are many signs that those times are over. Not the best news for those who expected further significant price declines and held off buying because of that: Prices have started to rise significantly, and the prediction is that this trend will continue. The question is how long they will be able to stay out of the market, and whether the situation – from their perspective – will not be even more difficult than it is now when they return.

The forecasted nice, warm weather in Europe will certainly boost consumption of ice cream and cold drinks, including milk-based ones. There will be more inquiries about the raw materials used in their production (The question is whether the manufacturers of ice cream and similar delicacies have not managed to prepare in advance, after all, summer is every year…).

It seems that, thanks to the current weather conditions, we are experiencing or have just passed the peak of milk production in Europe in terms of volume. At the same time, the fat content of milk is changing, which affects the rising prices of products, especially liquids.

Either way, prices change from day to day or even more frequently. Luckily, you have us, not only with the best deals, but also with unique insights from the heart of the market. Read on and you’ll learn everything important!

Continue reading to learn about this week’s market insights.

With us, you’ll never miss a thing!

Butter

The huge growth trend of Cream in the market last week was reflected in an overwhelmingly high price of quoted Butter. The most competitive Butter state (namely Poland) raised the price of the product from €4.30 to €4.75 within the last two weeks 🚀. The market for Butter will be settled for the present and next week due to the Eucolait Dairy Risk Management Education Seminar in Warsaw, Poland, which most producers will attend.

Skimmed Milk Powder

Following the liquids, the Skimmed Milk Powder has also broken out of the matrix and has begun to value itself more. As we reported last week: the global dairy market has increased, the trend in Europe has also found approval for higher prices in the market. In recent weeks, sufficient volumes have been traded, which only confirms the trend of the market.

Gouda/Edam

Even though Butter and powders were in the spotlight last week, Cheese also played its role on the market. However, the show was stolen by the former two. Compared to the powders and the Butter, we did not see a particularly drastic movement. A sign of an extra activity has been witnessed from the quoted manufacturers.

Full Cream Milk Powder

The market has also shifted its perspective of the product of Full Cream Milk Powder, which was also reflected in an increase in prices and demand. As for the Polish market, CEE did not feel this drastic development, keeping the price at the upper end of European producers. The most significant difference that came into play was the Irish market, where the product was at least 200 euros per ton above the price of the last weeks. Welcome FCMP, no one missed you.

Cream

This is another week when both Cream and Skimmed Milk Concentrate have risen across Europe. All indications are that this trend will continue.

What else?

Europe

Irish dairy cooperatives have more influence on milk prices than they think

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association says dairy cooperatives that cite ‘downward price pressure’ as justification for milk price cuts for farmers may themselves be adding to that pressure. While the market is not yet at a point where cooperatives’ decisions exacerbate the difficult situation, it is said that they need to be aware of their obligation not to add to the pressure. According to the organizations, the potential impact will hit farmers the hardest.

Farmers once again took to the streets

This time, Serbian farmers protested against the unsatisfactory prices they receive for their milk. The protests followed meetings between representatives of the country’s authorities and agricultural associations, where farmers outlined their problems and challenges, including those related to milk prices. The outcome of the talks did not satisfy the farmers, which led to an escalation and protests in the streets.

Difficult times for Northern Ireland farmers

It has recently been reported that dairy farmers in Northern Ireland need to prepare for further reductions in milk prices. Some processors have already officially announced such plans, and experts expect others to follow suit. Farmers’ associations report that an increasing number of their members are in a difficult situation and that external financial support may soon be needed.

The Americas

Land O’Lakes pays out $5 million for sustainable practices

The U.S.-based dairy-focused agricultural cooperative announced that its sustainable agriculture division paid out $5.1 million to U.S. farmers in 2022 for capturing and storing 262,000 metric tons of carbon through sustainable practices. The previous year’s disbursements were about $4 million.

The United States has reported a case of unusual mad cow disease

USDA has announced an unusual case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease. According to the announcement, the finding of an atypical case does not change the negligible risk status for the United States and should not cause trade problems. It is hoped that this will remain the case.

A Canadian company introduces a new bio-protection solution for dairy products

Lallemand has unveiled its latest project: Lalcult Protect MC1, a new bio-protection solution. According to the developers, it helps extend shelf life by preventing mold and yeast growth. It can be used in a variety of dairy products, including yogurt-type products, cream, fresh cheese, ripened cheese, sliced and grated cheese, and plant-based analogs.

Asia & Oceania

New Zealand’s dairy cattle population is in decline

A recent survey of agricultural production indicated that the number of dairy cows fell by about 1% during the year. The total number of dairy cows in June 2022 was 6.1 million head, down 8% from a record 2014. Nine years ago, the number of dairy cows was an impressive 6.7 million.

Australian cooperative lays off workers due to flooding

Norco, a cooperative based in Lismore in northeastern New South Wales, suffered losses of $142 million during floods a few months ago. The company received a grant from the Australian government and continued to pay workers for 30 weeks, but had to lay them off and close the plant after the funding ran out. No fewer than 170 workers had to go home. The company hopes to reverse this tragic situation and resume operations, but for now nothing is certain.

Free trade agreement with the UK crucial for New Zealand’s dairy industry

According to some experts, New Zealand exporters will have a level playing field with European competitors in the U.K. market for all dairy exports starting Jan. 1, 2028. On May 31, tariffs will be eliminated on a range of dairy products, including liquid milk and cream, yogurt, buttermilk powder and modified milk for infants. Tariffs on other products will be phased out.