Cheese production fell 1.2% YOY in January according to the USDA, compared to an estimated 1.3% decline in the availability of “manufacturing milk.” American cheese output declined 5.5% YOY for in January (with a 7.9% decline for cheddar) while “other cheese” (including mozzarella) increased 1.9% YOY.

Combined NFDM & SMP output fell 10.7% YOY in January, with NFDM down by 20.4% YOY while SMP rose 27.7% YOY. Butter production rose 6.4% YOY in January. Dry whey production increased 1.7% YOY for the month with a 1.9% YOY increase in WPC, reflecting another solid month for WPC 50-89.9% products, which were up 5.2% YOY. In contrast, WPC 25-49.9% output fell for the fifth consecutive month in January, down 20.5% YOY.