Ireland’s dairy sector hit a noticeable slowdown in September to its weakest performance since February, despite strong momentum earlier in the year. Milk solids were more resilient, but price pressure intensified as oversupply pushed Irish farmgate prices down. Falling farmer returns are now creating liquidity concerns. Poor weather has added further strain, resulting in early housing and increasing reliance on feed. Meanwhile, uncertainty over the future of the Nitrates Derogation poses a structural threat to production in the years ahead.
Report|Published: Nov 18, 2025
Fluid whey concentrate prices are rapidly fluctuating amid an overall decline, but the story behind this fall runs deeper than simple oversupply. Europe’s dairy chain is showing early signs of structural change: The Netherlands has quietly turned from exporter to importer, while Asia’s buyers are rebalancing their sourcing strategies. For traders, the figures point to volatility. For processors, they highlight flexibility, timing, and the balance between whey and milk powder output. This report unpacks how these movements are reshaping Europe’s position in the global whey market.
Analysis|Published: Nov 13, 2025
US milk production continues to grow strongly through September, as herd expansion and higher productivity drive output across major producing states. Idaho, Texas, New York, and California led the gains, while only a handful of states saw modest declines. Yet, this robust growth comes amid falling milk prices and tightening margins, with the average price dropping more than 11% compared to last year. Meanwhile, replacement heifer inventories have fallen to their lowest level in two decades, raising concerns about future herd renewal. The US dairy sector remains productive but increasingly vulnerable to market and structural pressures, potentially affecting the long-term sustainability of production.
Analysis|Published: Nov 7, 2025
UK milk production was up 7.4% year-on-year in September despite seasonal lows, driven by strong farmgate prices and lower feed costs, though weather-driven forage price increases added pressure. Forage growth in the month also supported the rising output. However, the abundant supplies have begun to weigh on prices, with Müller and Arla announcing cuts. Meanwhile, retail dairy prices remain high, and policymakers call for tighter regulations to ensure fairer returns for farmers across the supply chain.
Analysis|Published: Nov 3, 2025
European milk production is rebounding as autumn sets in, but not without tension. Germany and France are recording strong annual increases, defying seasonal trends, while Italy shows a milder recovery. Yet rising volumes are already putting downward pressure on milk prices across the EU, and producers remain wary amid the high costs.
Report|Published: Oct 30, 2025
European fat-filled milk powder (FFMP) prices softened in 2025 but proved more stable than other dairy powders, supported by firm palm oil values and steady export demand. While intra-EU trade contracted, external shipments to Africa and the Middle East continued to expand, reflecting growing consumption in low-producing regions. Behind these trends, shifts in SMP supply, evolving price dynamics, and rising competition from Asian processors are reshaping the market’s balance.
