Source: FARM PROGRESS, 12/31/18


The December Class III milk price averaged $13.85, which put the average milk price for 2018 at $14.60 — the lowest average price in the past four years, according to USDA. The milk price for the year peaked in September at $16.09, despite a lower growth in milk production. It was up just 0.7% in October and 0.8% in November. The decline in milk prices at the end of the year was not expected. Strong holiday sales of butter and cheese normally push prices higher.

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