Record exports and lower feed costs are bullish for dairy, but clouds loom.
Dairy economists are pointing to exports as the brightest constellation in the 2014 dairy outlook – and with good reason:
• U.S. dairy exports in 2013 not only will mark a fourth consecutive record year but a new, high watermark for the ninth time in 10 years. By year’s end, U.S. dairy exports will have risen some 30% in value over year-earlier levels, to $6.7 billion, says Alan Levitt with the U.S. Dairy Export Council. In volume, exports will have climbed by about 18%, to 3.9 billion pounds of milk solids.
• U.S. dairy exports are on track to account for an impressive 15.54% of the nation’s 2013 milk output. That’s by far a record and compares to the recent normal of 13%. From May to October, exports accounted for nearly 17% of U.S. milk production. «Ten years ago, we exported just 5% of our milk production,» Levitt says. «That means we’ve found new markets for 10-12% of our milk.»
Adding to 2014’s export-driven optimism are dairies’ improving margins, fueled by this year’s strong milk prices and the recent decline in feed costs.
U.S. dairy producers have just witnessed the second-highest year ever for milk prices. The All-Milk price averaged $19.80 for the first 11 months of 2013. Only 2011 saw a higher yearly average, at $20.14 per cwt.
«Income over feed costs in the months ahead looks to be the best since 2007,» Levitt says.
Improved dairy margins are largely due to the decline of corn prices, which have dropped some 44% to about $4.30 per bu., down from August 2012’s high of $7.63. «Corn prices are at their lowest prices in three years and could go lower,» says Joel Karlin, market analyst for California-based Western Milling.
While soybean meal, another dairy feed, doesn’t match the magnitude of corn’s decline, it’s still fallen some 20% in price, Karlin says.
Despite these positive dairy factors, market watchers caution optimists to beware of clouds ahead. One feed source that’s not expected to get any cheaper is alfalfa hay. Prices could remain close to record-high levels, as inventories remain low after the 2012 drought, this year’s weather problems in Wisconsin and ongoing water shortages in the West. Top-quality hay is selling for $280-$300 per ton.
«There’s an insatiable demand overseas for top-quality hay,» Karlin says. «Alfalfa hay prices will continue to be a concern for U.S. dairy producers.»
Source: AgWeb