Dairy sees low prices, shifts in demand 

Milk prices remain in a slump even as Texas dairy production and consumer demand continue to rise, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. 

Summertime is typically good for dairy producers as rising temperatures translate into higher demand and reduced production. As a result, retail prices for many dairy-based products like ice cream, cheese and butter rise. 

However, last year’s price increases for retail products never trickled down to better raw milk prices for producers, said Jennifer Spencer, AgriLife Extension dairy specialist. And while raw milk prices are slowly trending upward this summer, they are still $5 lower per hundred-weight than historically high prices in 2022. 

Low milk prices will make it difficult for dairy operations, Spencer said.