Consumer sentiment has hit the 'lowest level ever recorded '

Consumer sentiment in April was pressured lower by President Trump's tariff announcements and concerns over high prices. The dairy market saw significant changes, with powdered milk prices hitting a record high. Grade A nonfat powdered milk reached $2.20 per pound on Friday, $1.0275 above the previous year's price. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange saw 14 sales that week. HighGround Dairy notes that the current record feels different from previous ones due to different market fundamentals. Spot loads are extremely difficult to find, keeping spot prices elevated. In contrast, block cheddar prices slipped to $1.57 per pound but closed at $1.5775, unchanged on the week. Butter prices finished at $1.69 per pound, down 5.75 cents on the week. Dairy Market News reports strong milk output in the Central region, with plentiful spot volumes, while the West has enough milk production to keep cheese production stable.