Despite a generally bearish market, traders in the US have become more market-friendly due to a recent surge in milk futures. Milk production has remained steady compared to 2022, despite concerns over future supply due to farm closures and a decrease in milk replacement heifers. Dairy cattle slaughter in December was the lowest since May 2021, and the number of dairy cows as of January 1 dropped by 41,000 heads from the previous year. The Class III market is being strongly supported by the strength of whey powder, and with butter expected to remain stronger than cheese, Class IV milk prices are predicted to stay significantly higher than Class III prices.