A bumpy road for US dairy exports

Aug 12, 2023

US Dairy exports experienced a roller-coaster ride in the first half of 2023. June’s data revealed a decline of 13% compared to the previous year. China’s reduced appetite and Europe's competitive cheese pricing posed challenges. But there's a silver lining: cheese exports showed recovery, and Mexico's demand surged.

European cheese prices created hurdles, notably in Korea. But, with US cheese prices dropping in recent months, Q3 might see an upswing. However, obstacles could resurface by year-end.

The WPC80+ export segment thrived, registering a 15% growth year-to-date. This surge was propelled by countries like Japan, Brazil, and China. Price adjustments and the product's wide-ranging applications, from infant nutrition to sports beverages, played a pivotal role.

On the brighter side, Mexico stood out. US dairy exports to our southern neighbor rose by an impressive 25%. The growth of U.S. pork exports is due to factors such as strong demand from consumers, the impact of drought on other meat producers, and the strength of the U.S. dollar.

China's declining demand, especially tied to its pork industry's price shifts, impacted the US sweet whey market. Projections hint at this trend continuing.

In Southeast Asia, the US faced a double whammy of intensified competition from New Zealand and regional economic challenges. The exports dropped by a significant 22%.

The first half of 2023 has been a mixed bag for US Dairy exports. Still, emerging trends suggest possible market rebounds in the latter half.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

The Clear Conversations podcast took to the road for a special episode recorded in Nashville during CattleCon, bringing listeners straight into the heart of the cattle industry. Host Tracy Sellers welcomed rancher Steve Wooten of Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado for a wide-ranging discussion that blended family history and sustainability, particularly as it relates to the future of beef production.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme of the conversation, a word that Wooten acknowledges can mean very different things depending on who you ask. For him, sustainability starts with the soil. Healthy soil produces healthy grass, which supports efficient cattle capable of producing year after year with minimal external inputs. It’s an approach that equally considers vegetation, animal efficiency, and long-term profitability.

That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.