US cheese production increased 3.3% YOY in May according to the USDA, on an estimated 2.3% rise in manufacturing milk availability. American cheese output rose 5.6% YOY for the month on a weak comparable – with a 9.6% increase for cheddar, while “other cheese” varieties (including mozzarella) increased 1.8% YOY.

Combined NDM and SMP output declined 5.2% YOY in May, with SMP down 3.8% YOY while NDM fell 5.6% YOY. Butter production rose 3.5% YOY in May, and has increased every month since November 2023.

Dry whey output increased 6.5% YOY for the month, with a 6.5% YOY decline in WPC. WPC 50-89.9% output decreased 2.4% YOY, while WPC 25-49.9% products declined 16.9% YOY. WPI production continued to surge, up 9.5% in May, but with a 20.2% YOY decline in MPC output.