# U.S. Dairy Market Outlook 2026: Production, Prices, Trade

> U.S. milk production for 2025 is estimated at 231.4 billion pounds, with 2026 forecast to rise to 234.3 billion on higher milk per cow. Cheddar and butter prices softened from mid-December into early January, while nonfat dry milk and whey strengthened. Export shipments of cheese and butterfat were strong in 2025.

- Date: 2026-01-19 · published 2026-01-19T12:00:00.000Z
- Category: market · region US · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/21067-u-s-dairy-market-outlook-2026-production-prices-trade
- Commodities: [Milk (Class III)](https://feedsoft.ai/c/MILK.md)

## Why it matters

Rising output and softer cheese and butter prices weigh on dairy returns, while stronger protein prices support whey and milk-protein ingredients.

## Read by commodity

- MILK: bearish ▼

## Sources

- dairyproducer.com: https://dairyproducer.com/us-dairy-market-outlook-2026/

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.