All dairy pricing trends are based on USDA and CME data as of March 11, 2026.
Butter
The butter market pulled back this week due to mounting supply pressure and weaker buying interest, according to analysts. USDA milk output and butter production data continue to show strong levels of cream availability and butter output ahead of the spring flush.
Cheese
The CME block market remained relatively steady this week, although buying interest increased. The recent rally in domestic prices, combined with stagnant domestic demand, increased freight costs and increased global inflationary concerns, has kept the burden on exporters to clear product and prevent a more significant build in U.S. cold storage levels, according to analysts.
Shell Eggs
Urner Barry reported that all shell egg markets were up sharply this week. Demand is good, driven primarily by the retail channel, and supply remains pressured due to the increase in positive cases of bird flu across the country, according to analysts. The USDA is reporting 38 confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in commercial flocks over the last 30 days, impacting nearly 14M birds.
Milk & Cream
Domestic milk production continues to be strong, and milk component levels have increased. Butterfat content remains at record levels; January milk output jumped 3.2% year over year; and domestic dairy herds increased 14K head in January to 32-year highs, according to the USDA. Historically, cheap feed costs and increased beef-on-dairy breeding revenue have helped dairy farmer profitability, keeping slaughter rates below average, according to analysts.
Commodity Trends at Your Fingertips: Dive into the Farmer's Report
The data contained in the Farmer’s Report is provided for informational purposes only, is not tailored to your specific purchasing needs, and is not intended as a substitute for any other publicly-available market data or information. The Farmer’s Report is compiled from the last-received market data provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and/or other market sources, and is subject to change without notice. Nothing herein is the opinion of US Foods®. US Foods neither assumes any legal liability nor makes any warranty or guaranty, either express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy or usefulness of this information.