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Rabobank quarterly forecast projects downside risk in H2

June 13, 2025

UTRECHT, Netherlands — Current global dairy demand trends are expected to weigh on prices, especially as key global buyers become aware of increasing milk production. Concerns persist about weak Chinese demand, slowing economic growth, trade tensions and high Oceania whole milk powder prices, says Rabobank’s RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness division in its latest global dairy quarterly Q2 2025 report, “Too good to be true?”

“Dairy companies and downstream multinational consumer packaged goods companies will find it challenging to pass on higher dairy costs to consumers still grappling with post-COVID inflation,” says Mary Ledman, global dairy strategist at
RaboResearch. “We anticipate downside risks emerging in the second half of the year, driven by expanding supply and demand uncertainty. However, rather than a sharp downturn, we expect a recalibration from recent multiyear highs — a natural correction following a period of strong performance.”

Against all odds, recent global dairy commodity prices continued to rise in recent months between most key exporting countries, though not all, the report notes. On the supply side, milk production growth has been modest, far from overwhelming the global market. This is welcome news given emerging signs of stress on the demand side, where several concerning factors are evident: near-record-low consumer confidence in the United States, troubling indicators of economic struggles in China and declining sales data from restaurants and consumer packaged goods companies across many regions.

Amid these dynamics, global trade conflicts remain elevated, with volatility and rapidly changing tariffs emerging weekly — factors that are influencing global dairy trade flows, the report says. Nevertheless, dairy product prices, particularly in Oceania, have surged to multiyear highs. Recent trends at the Global Dairy Trade auction have been consistently positive, and Fonterra has announced a record-high forecast price for the 2025/26 season at NZ$10 per kilogram milk solids (kgMS), underscoring its confidence in sustained elevated prices in the coming months.

Even in the United States, most dairy commodities have shown bullish trends into late May, supported by mixed-to-lower stock levels and strong exports throughout Q1, prior to the implementation of retaliatory tariffs by key trading partners China and Canada, the report adds.

In many economies, consumer sentiment has waned amid weak and uncertain global economic conditions. Retail dairy prices saw deflation in nearly all regions during parts of 2024. However, higher milk and dairy product prices in the second half of 2024 have continued into 2025, translating to higher prices for consumers at retail and foodservice outlets.

Rabobank notes that in its last global dairy quarterly, it discussed the likelihood of price support driven by modest milk production gains while suggesting caution following concerning demand developments. That scenario has largely played out in recent weeks. But as the third quarter approaches, the question remains: Is it too good to be true?
In RaboResearch’s view, the answer is likely yes.

Much attention has been given to the “on again, off again” tariffs imposed by the United States on imports and the potential retaliatory tariffs by trading partners, the report notes. During this turbulent period, the U.S. dollar has weakened versus European and New Zealand currencies by 8.8% and 5.2%, respectively, between January and May 2025.

In the United States, despite ongoing trade uncertainty, total dairy exports are off to a strong start this season, although it is important to note that data is only finalized through the first quarter, i.e. prior to the April 2 “Liberation Day” announcement of additional tariffs on many countries, the report notes. March dairy exports surged to their highest level in two years (since March 2023), likely driven by importers frontloading purchases in anticipation of higher tariffs.

CMN


NMPF approves NEXT export initiative at its board meeting

June 13, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. — U.S. dairy farmers approved a new initiative to boost dairy exports during the
National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) board of directors meeting this week.

The board voted to implement a new member-funded export assistance program called NEXT, starting July 1. A majority of the milk supplied to consumers worldwide by NMPF members is supporting the NEXT program with a 2-cent-per-hundredwieght contribution through 2028. The NEXT program will focus on supporting U.S. dairy exports in key markets around the world, including Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia.

“If you imagine that on top of that the millions of people who buy something we touch every day with the products, the nutritious products that we produce, not just at dinner, not just at breakfast, but all day long, because of what you can turn dairy into, it’s a pretty amazing story, really,” said NMPF Board Chairman Randy Mooney, a farmer from Rogersville, Missouri, in remarks at the meeting. “We put some of the most nourishing products there are into consumers every day, globally, and that’s something that I think we can all be proud of.”

NMPF’s board meeting brought together more than 100 farmers and dairy cooperative leaders at the nation’s largest dairy farmer trade organization, which serves as the policy voice for milk producers and the cooperatives they own in Washington.

The meeting was held in conjunction with NMPF’s annual fly-in of its Young Cooperators, who met with members of Congress to discuss pressing dairy concerns and received a U.S. Capitol tour from Rep. Adam Gray, D-Calif.; it also featured remarks from Reps. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., David Valadao, R-Calif., and Tony Wied, R-Wis.

The Young Cooperators (YC) Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum brought together young dairy leaders from 15 states for two days of education and advocacy on Capitol Hill, discussing key dairy priorities directly with members of Congress and staffs to advocate for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, agricultural labor reform and strong dairy trade policies.

Also in conjunction with the meeting, The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program opened nominations for its annual FARM Excellence Awards, which recognize farmers, cooperatives and processors that provide consumers with safe, wholesome milk with integrity. Nominations may be submitted by Aug. 4 at https://nmpf.awardsplatform.com/.

CMN


USDA raises milk production forecasts in monthly outlook

June 13, 2025

WASHINGTON — Milk production forecasts are raised for both 2025 and 2026, to 227.8 billion pounds and 228.2 billion pounds, respectively, in USDA’s latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report released Thursday. Based on the latest Milk Production report, cow inventories also are raised for 2025, and milk per cow is raised for both 2025 and 2026.

For 2025 and 2026, commercial export forecasts are raised on a fat basis, USDA says. On a skim-solids basis, export forecasts are reduced on lower shipments of nonfat dry milk (NDM). Import forecasts for 2025 are raised on both a fat basis and skim-solids basis. For 2026, imports are raised on a skim-solids basis but unchanged on a fat basis.

For 2025, butter, cheese, whey and NDM price forecasts are raised from the previous month on recent price strength. Cheese now is forecast to average $1.860 per pound, butter $2.535, NDM $1.250 and dry whey $0.565.

The all milk price forecast is raised to $21.95 per hundredweight in 2025, while the Class III price is lowered to $18.65 and Class IV is raised to $18.85.

For 2026, butter, cheese and whey price forecasts are raised to $1.810, $2.480 and $0.510 per pound, respectively, as strong demand is expected to absorb the growth in milk production. NDM prices are unchanged from the previous month at $1.215. Class III and Class IV price forecasts are raised to $17.80 and $18.20 per hundredweight, respectively, as well. The all milk price forecast for 2026 is $21.30.

CMN



Cedar Grove Cheese finds opportunity through collaboration, diversification

PLAIN, Wis. — Named for a grove of cedar trees that used to grow where the current plant is located, Cedar Grove Cheese carries on a nearly 150-year legacy as a continually operating cheese plant that has undergone many changes in production and ownership.

When Bob Wills took ownership of the factory in 1989, he transformed it from a commodity producer that supplied primarily a single customer to a specialty cheesemaker offering a wide variety of artisan cheeses to a diversified market.

“Today, about half our production is organic cheese, and we do sheep and goat, and earlier when people were supplying water buffalo milk, we were making that too,” Wills says. “We’ve done everything from soft cheeses like Quark, Chevre and Ricotta, up to 17-year-old Cheddar and hard sheep’s milk cheeses that have won awards.

Everything is a specialty in one form or another, whether it’s the milk source, or making organic or kosher.”

• Award winners

Many of Cedar Grove’s award-winning cheeses are sheep’s, goat’s or mixed-milk varieties, including Fleance, a young sheep’s milk cheese similar to a Manchego, and Donatello, a more aged sheep’s milk cheese with a rich and nutty flavor. Both Fleance and Donatello won Best in Class awards this spring at the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest.

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Dairy Month honors legacy of cheese and dairy across U.S.

June 6, 2025

MADISON, Wis. — The cheese and dairy industries across the country are uniting for a time-honored celebration — June Dairy Month. What began nearly a century ago as a way to promote milk during peak production has evolved into a full-scale tribute to the farmers, processors, retailers and consumers who shape America’s dynamic dairy landscape. This month-long celebration highlights the essential role of dairy in nutrition, community vitality, economic growth and culinary tradition.

This year, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is leading a national campaign titled “Dairy Runs Deep,” spotlighting the powerful impact of dairy across American life. From the 94% of U.S. dairy farms that are family-owned to the more than 3 million jobs the industry supports, dairy is a legacy business — passed down through generations and deeply connected to the identity of rural America.

The industry contributes more than $198 billion in wages and $779 billion annually to the U.S. economy, with economic activity that sustains small towns, powers local businesses and strengthens communities from coast to coast. Through the IDFA Foundation, the industry also gives back — donating 90,000 pounds of dairy foods and helping provide over 133,000 meals to individuals in need over the past year.

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) is marking June Dairy Month by renewing its CADAIRY4GOOD partnership with Raley’s Food For Families. This initiative will match up to $35,000 in consumer donations to provide fresh milk to 12 regional food banks, supporting families facing food insecurity.

“Milk is vitamin- and nutrient-dense liquid gold to our neighbors trying to keep healthy food options on their tables,” says Jessica Vaughan, CEO of Second Harvest of the Greater Valley.

CMAB is also launching a summer retail campaign, Snack For Real, designed to meet today’s snacking trends. Shoppers at more than 750 stores will find promotions and recipes that feature dairy as the centerpiece of convenient, flavorful snacks like Buffalo cottage cheese salad cups and rainbow fruit and cheese wands.

The Dairy Council of California is exploring dairy’s global story with its “Dairy Around the World” campaign, highlighting international favorites such as Icelandic skyr and Indian lassi while reinforcing the health benefits of dairy.

“We’re proud to champion National Dairy Month through culturally inclusive programming that highlights the richness of dairy in everyday life,” says Amy DeLisio, CEO of the Dairy Council of California.

In Wisconsin, where dairy is a cornerstone of the state’s identity and economy, more than 60 public events are taking place this month, from farm breakfasts and open houses to cheese tastings and community festivals.

“This June, we invite everyone to discover the dedication, innovation, and legacy that define Wisconsin dairy,” says Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. “Whether you’re visiting a farm, enjoying a dairy breakfast or simply adding Wisconsin cheese to your grocery cart, you’re supporting hardworking families who’ve made this their life’s mission.”

With an industry valued at $52.8 billion and supporting over 120,000 jobs, Wisconsin continues to lead in award-winning cheese production and agricultural stewardship.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has issued an official proclamation for June Dairy Month and is making statewide visits to dairy farms, processors and industry partners. He also has highlighted that his administration has approved an $8.8 million investment in the Dairy Innovation Hub at the University of Wisconsin System and proposed additional agriculture-focused support in the 2025–27 Executive Budget. That includes $1.5 million to launch a pilot Dairy Agriculture Resilience Investment Now Grant (DARING) program to support on-farm operational efficiency and continued funding for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) Dairy Processor Grant program.

DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski emphasizes the importance of every link in the dairy supply chain in a June statement, noting the state’s recent efforts in milk testing and biosecurity in response to H5N1.

“June is a special month in Wisconsin,” Romanski says. “We can be especially thankful for dairy farmers, haulers, processors, distributors, consumers and everyone who keeps the industry strong in America’s Dairyland.”

Community events in Wisconsin further underscore the connection between dairy and local giving. The Lamers Dairy’s Cones for a Cause initiative donates proceeds from 50-cent soft serve cones to the St. Joseph Food Program.

Culver’s is offering a free scoop of frozen custard to dairy farmers this month with their online order using promo code DAIRYGOOD. The giveaway is part of the brand’s Thank You Farmers Project, which has raised more than $6.5 million for agricultural education and advocacy since 2013. Culver’s also visited three Wisconsin dairy farms with frozen custard and handwritten thank-you notes from FFA members to express appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

In neighboring Illinois, Prairie Farms Dairy is promoting dairy on its website with recipes, videos and insights from its 600-plus farm families. As one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the Midwest and South, Prairie Farms operates 48 plants and more than 100 distribution facilities, employing 7,000 people and generating over $4.69 billion in annual sales.

In Oregon, the Tillamook County Creamery Association is sponsoring the 68th annual June Dairy Parade on June 28, celebrating this year’s theme “Moovin’ Thru the Seasons.”

As June Dairy Month gets underway, IDFA reminds readers on its blog that dairy runs deep: “Across all 50 states, dairy is more than a food group — it’s a way of life.”

CMN


Sartori, Masters Gallery Foods buy Rumiano Cheese divisions

June 6, 2025

PLYMOUTH, Wis. — Two Wisconsin cheese companies are acquiring the cheesemaking and converting divisions of California-based Rumiano Cheese Co., an organic cheese and butter company that had been owned by the Rumiano family for more than 100 years.

Sartori Cheese, a fourth-generation, family-owned artisan cheese company based in Plymouth, Wisconsin, has acquired Rumiano’s cheesemaking division and facility in Crescent City, California, while Masters Gallery Foods, also based in Plymouth, has acquired the converting and distribution division in Willows, California.

While the Rumiano family no longer will lead the company, its cheeses will continue to be produced and marketed under the Rumiano brand, a company spokesperson confirmed.

“We are excited to join forces with Sartori Cheese,” says Baird Rumiano, co-owner, Rumiano Cheese Co. “For over 100 years, the Rumiano family has been dedicated to crafting exceptional cheese and butter with unwavering integrity. As a fellow family-owned business, Sartori shares our core values and commitment to quality, tradition and responsible stewardship. We’re confident this next step in our journey will bring many exciting opportunities to our team, our local farmers, our customers and to the communities we’ve proudly served for generations.”

Established in 1919, Rumiano Cheese has built a legacy of producing premium, pasture-raised organic cheese and butter. The integration of Rumiano’s product line will complement Sartori’s existing portfolio, offering consumers a broader selection of artisanal cheeses.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rumiano Cheese into the Sartori family,” says Bert Sartori, CEO, Sartori Cheese. “This acquisition aligns with our mission to make the ‘Best Cheese in the World.’ We look forward to building upon Rumiano’s commitment to their Redwood Coast family farm partners and local community. Rumiano’s dedication to excellence and innovation makes them a perfect fit for our company.”

Masters Gallery Foods, a leading national supplier of cheese for private label retail, foodservice and industrial use, notes that its acquisition of Rumiano Cheese’s converting and distribution division will boost its strategic growth initiative to expand manufacturing efforts outside the upper Midwest. Rumiano’s Northern California location will enable Masters Gallery Foods to service customers on the West Coast without the added freight costs associated with shipping products to and from Wisconsin. Masters Gallery Foods anticipates a smooth transition, thanks to the strong manufacturing team already in place and the similarities in equipment and capabilities to its Wisconsin operations.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Masters Gallery Foods and our customers. We are committed to advancing the Willows operation, as originally envisioned by the Rumiano Family, and building upon the legacy of what has been established here since 1919,” says Jeff Gentine, second-generation president and CEO of Masters Gallery Foods. “Our goal is to use this facility as a platform for Western growth, while positively impacting the city of Willows and the nearly 200 employees we now welcome into the Masters Gallery family.”

While Rumiano has been converting cheese in Willows for decades, the current facility was newly constructed in 2021.

Masters Gallery has facilities in Plymouth and Oostburg, Wisconsin, and specializes in shredded, chunked, sliced and snack cheeses for private label retail and foodservice customers, as well as wholesale distributors throughout the United States. Additionally, Masters Gallery Foods provides bulk cheeses to converters, food manufacturers and cheese ingredient users worldwide.

“After more than a century of family ownership, we’re proud to join forces with another family-owned business that truly respects what we’ve built at Rumiano Cheese. The team at Masters Gallery Foods shares our values, understands our story and is committed to carrying our mission forward,” says John Rumiano, co-owner, Rumiano Cheese Co. “This next chapter enables us to really scale our impact while creating exciting opportunities for our team members, the Willows community and the customers we’ve been honored to serve.”

CMN


April U.S. cheese production up 3.1% from one year earlier

June 6, 2025

WASHINGTON — April U.S. cheese production, excluding cottage cheese, totaled 1.229 billion pounds, up 3.1% from April 2024, according to data released this week by USDA’s Natural Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). (All figures are rounded. Please see CMN’s Dairy Production chart.) April cheese production was down 0.4% from the 1.234 billion pounds produced in March, but up 2.9% on a daily average basis.

Italian-type cheese production in April totaled 517.0 million pounds, up 2.2% from April 2024. Production of Mozzarella, the largest component of Italian-type cheese production, totaled 406.9 million pounds in April, up 1.1% from a year earlier.
American-type cheese production in April totaled 492.0 million pounds, up 6.1% from April 2024. Production of Cheddar, the largest component of American-type cheese, totaled 338.1 million pounds, up 8.1% from April 2024.

Wisconsin was the leading cheese-producing state with 306.4 million pounds produced in April, up 1.6% from April 2024. California followed with 209.5 million pounds produced in April, up 1.5% from a year earlier.

U.S. production of butter totaled 215.8 million pounds in April, up 3.9% from April 2024. April butter production was down 5.8% from March’s 229.0 million pounds, and down 2.6% on a daily average basis. California was the leading butter-producing state with 62.5 million pounds produced in April, down 1.2% from April 2024.

CMN


Agreements with Costa Rica, Mexico to benefit dairy trade

May 30, 2025

WASHINGTON — Two separate developments were announced over the past week — one with Costa Rica and one with Mexico — that will help streamline and strengthen dairy exports from the United States to these two markets.

USDA and Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA) have agreed to put in place a streamlined procedure for registering U.S. dairy facilities to export to Costa Rica. This announcement was detailed in a May 23 report published by USDA.

“Securing greater market access for American dairy farmers is a much-needed win for the U.S. dairy industry and will give our producers better increased access to a $130 million market in Costa Rica,” says U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) note that the new process replaces a much more cumbersome dairy facility questionnaire and lengthy registration process that Costa Rica has long maintained.

“We are proud of supporting the great work of the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS), USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Trade Representative’s Office to painstakingly reach an understanding with Costa Rica to facilitate the export of high-quality U.S. dairy products,” says USDEC president and CEO Krysta Harden. “This important step recognizes the strength of the U.S. dairy regulatory system and deepens bilateral engagement under the CAFTA-DR (Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement) at a key time for U.S.-Costa Rica trade relations.”

USDEC and NMPF note that dairy demand in Costa Rica is growing due to its strong economy and expanding middle class. With all dairy tariffs having reached zero this year under the CAFTA-DR, opportunities are ripe for U.S. dairy exporters to expand sales that complement Costa Rican dairy production. The new streamlined process for U.S. dairy facilities to register to sell products to Costa Rica brightens those prospects further.

“Costa Rica is an excellent trading partner, due in major part to the successful U.S.-Central American Free Trade Agreement. This breakthrough between USDA and Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service further cements that relationship and builds on the zero-tariff trading conditions for dairy exporters that began this year,” says Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF.

USDEC and NMPF add that the USDA-SENASA announcement marks the successful outcome of years of effort by USDEC’s Market Access & Regulatory Affairs team and the USDEC/NMPF Trade Policy team, together with the U.S. government, to simplify Costa Rica’s facility registration process for U.S. dairy exporters. After extensive collaboration with FAS and SENASA — including a 2024 SENASA visit to evaluate how U.S. authorities oversee dairy establishments and how U.S. facilities comply — SENASA completed its review this month and approved the first U.S. dairy facility under the new, simplified process.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), which provided technical assistance to USDA on the process for establishment registration and food safety systems evaluation, also celebrated the announcement, noting that Costa Rica is a market growing in importance for U.S. dairy.

“U.S. dairy exports topped $8.2 billion in 2024, with Central America markets surging, including Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador all importing record values of U.S. dairy. In fact, U.S. dairy exports to Costa Rica doubled in value between 2021 to 2024, growing from $31 million to $60 million,” explains Becky Rasdall Vargas, senior vice president of trade and workforce policy, IDFA.

“Markets in Central America, Southeast Asia and India are where many U.S. dairy exporters see significant opportunity for growth, and we therefore applaud this win and urge USDA and the Trump administration to continue to take an aggressive, strategic approach to opening preferential market access for U.S. dairy, including by leveraging tariffs as a short-term tool for long-term gain meant to discipline the terms of trade with another country,” Rasdall adds.

In other trade news, this week the U.S. and Mexican dairy sectors renewed a partnership and unveiled a work plan to enhance industry collaboration at their seventh annual summit convened this week in Madison, Wisconsin. The industry representatives reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral collaboration and supporting the long-term success of the North American dairy industry.

Led by USDEC and NMPF on the U.S. side, and by the Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG), Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Leche (AMLAC), Cámara Nacional de Industriales de la Leche (CANILEC) and Consejo Nacional Agropecuario (CNA) from Mexico, the summit culminated in the signing of a renewed commitment and a shared work plan designed to foster mutual growth and resilience.

The joint plan identifies key areas for cooperation, including:

• Promoting science-based trade policies that facilitate fair and transparent dairy trade across borders,

• Enhancing animal health coordination, with a focus on proactive risk mitigation and information sharing,

• Defending dairy’s reputation and promoting its nutritional benefits across both countries and in global markets, and

• Supporting sustainability and innovation efforts within the sector.

“Challenges like trade instability and animal health threats aren’t localized. They extend beyond borders, which is why working together is essential,” Harden says. “Mexico continues to be a crucial ally for the U.S. dairy industry. These meetings not only reinforce our partnership but also help us prepare for a stronger, more resilient future.”

Recognizing the increasingly interconnected nature of the global dairy industry, the U.S. and Mexican representatives underscored the importance of continuing to work together to address shared challenges — from trade uncertainty and supply chain disruptions to animal health threats like H5N1 and New World screwworm to evolving consumer expectations.

“The U.S. and Mexico dairy sectors share a common goal: to expand market opportunities and protect consumer confidence in dairy,” Doud says. “(This week’s) renewed agreement deepens our partnership as we address the shared challenges our industries face.”

CMN


U.S. courts rule Liberation Day tariffs unlawful; appeals filed

May 30, 2025

WASHINGTON — In a ruling issued Wednesday, a unanimous three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) struck down the tariffs imposed by President Trump’s executive orders under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), or “Liberation Day” tariffs, that took effect April 2. However, the ruling has been paused by an appeals court.

This week’s ruling was issued for two separate lawsuits against the tariffs. One was a multi-state lawsuit led by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. This lawsuit, State of Oregon v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, also included attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut,
Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Vermont.

Rayfield notes that in addition to halting the existing IEEPA tariffs, this week’s judgment also would stop President Trump from increasing tariffs, including the threatened 145% tariffs on imports from China and 50% tariffs on imports from the European Union (EU).

Last week President Trump had announced he would place a 50% tariff on EU goods starting June 1, but he backed off this threat earlier this week to allow the United States and EU more time for negotiations. (See “Trump threatens 50% tariffs on EU amid trade talks” in last week’s issue of Cheese Market News.)

“The court’s ruling is a victory not just for Oregon, but for working families, small businesses and everyday Americans. President Trump’s sweeping tariffs were unlawful, reckless and economically devastating. They triggered retaliatory measures, inflated prices on essential goods and placed an unfair burden on American families, small businesses and manufacturers,” Rayfield says in response to this week’s ruling.

In addition to the lawsuit brought by the state attorneys general, this week’s ruling addressed a second lawsuit, V.O.S. Selections Inc. v. Trump, that challenged the Liberation Day tariffs on behalf of five small businesses represented by the Liberty Justice Center.

The CIT opinion for both lawsuits applies to all of the Trump administration’s tariffs imposed under the IEEPA — not only the Liberation Day tariffs, but also the tariffs imposed on goods from China, Mexico and Canada, the Liberty Justice Center notes.

“This ruling reaffirms that the president must act within the bounds of the law, and it protects American businesses and consumers from the destabilizing effects of volatile, unilaterally imposed tariffs,” says Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel and director of litigation at the Liberty Justice Center.

The Trump administration immediately filed an appeal, and the U.S. Court of Appeals paused the decision and ordered written arguments from both sides to be filed by early June, according to news reports.

Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras also ruled against Trump’s tariffs in another case brought by two Illinois-based toy companies, Learning Resources and hand2mind. According to news reports, the preliminary injunction issued by Contreras blocks the government from collecting tariffs from these two companies. Similarly to the other ruling, this order noted that IEEPA does not grant the president authority to impose these tariffs. This ruling also has been appealed, and the judge has paused it from taking effect for two weeks.

Following these rulings, Trump aired complaints against the judges on his social media platform, Truth Social.

“Under this decision, Trillions of Dollars would be lost by our Country, money that will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” he wrote. “It would be the harshest financial ruling ever leveled on us as a Sovereign Nation. The President of the United States must be allowed to protect America against those that are doing it Economic and Financial harm.”

CMN


Sargento to make investment in new manufacturing facility

May 30, 2025

PLYMOUTH, Wis. — Sargento has announced it is planning to build a new manufacturing facility, marking the largest investment in the company’s history to accommodate its ambitious growth plans.

Sargento recently purchased 66 acres of land on Highway 57 and County Road PP in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, where the new plant will be located. The initial plan is to relocate manufacturing operations from its current Plymouth campus to this new 384,000-square-foot facility. Pending approval by the city of Plymouth at its July city council meeting, site preparation would begin this fall with construction set to begin spring of 2026. Completion of the project and phased occupancy is anticipated to begin in 2027.

The company says with a vision to be the most innovative, best-loved real food company, this investment also demonstrates its commitment to the community and the future.

“We take great pride in our community and Wisconsin — our home. This investment represents our commitment in Plymouth and our long-held belief of sharing our success with our stakeholders,” said third-generation Sargento Chairman and CEO Louie Gentine. “We’re excited for this new chapter for the Sargento Family. We look forward to continuing our track record of industry-leading innovation in our hometown.”

This new facility will have the latest manufacturing technology and offer enhanced employee ergonomics. While the company does not anticipate new jobs to be created right away, this state-of-the-art facility will have more room to grow in the future.

“Over the last decade, our new product innovation has added a billion dollars of growth to the natural cheese category in America,” says Sargento Chief Operating Officer Michael Pellegrino. “Few companies in the consumer packaged goods industry innovate like Sargento, and we’re thrilled to continue our track record of success and partner with the city of Plymouth.”

CMN


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Today's Cheese Spot Trading
June 18, 2025


Barrels: $1.6900 (-8)
Blocks: $1.6900 (-6 1/2)

Click here for more market activity

Cheese Production
U.S. Total April
1.229 bil. lbs.


Milk Production
U.S. Total April
19.370 bil. lbs.

Guest Columnist

The timeless goodness of dairy — a cornerstone of American nutrition

Julien Biolley, Novonesis Inc.

New cheese pricing formula could lead to more volatility

John Billington, Ever.Ag

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