Wisconsin’s dairy farmers are getting near-record high prices for their milk, thanks to a dramatic increase in dairy exports and a smaller milk supply.
A Wisconsin State Journal report says demand for Wisconsin milk — and Wisconsin cheese — has never been higher.
John Umhoefer is the executive director of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. He says cheese producers already take whatever they can get from Wisconsin dairy producers but now they’re importing 15 percent of their milk from other states.
Federal statistics say dairy exports increased 18 percent last year to 1.8 million tons. That helped lift the average price for all grades of milk to $23.20 per 100 pounds, topping the record $22.10 set in November 2012.
Officials say milk prices in grocery stores should remain steady.