Uruguay: Dairy Sector Situation: Prices, Production, and Challenges

The pasteurized milk price increases to a maximum of $44 from March 19, according to a decree from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, signed by Minister Gabriel Oddone.

FONTERRA's whole milk powder prices remain above US$ 4,000 per tonne. The recent auction closed at an average price of US$/t 4,245.

The Lactalis plant in Cardona has stopped processing UHT milk, potentially leading to its closure and 150 job losses, reports La Diaria.

Milk supply to CONAPROLE stagnates in March, with daily processing around 3 million liters. February saw a 5.6% increase, but a March heatwave and late cow pregnancies have slowed progress.

The dairy industry received a price per liter, 8% higher than in January of the previous year, driven by a 14% annual increase in export prices.

Ricardo de Izaguirre took office as the new president of the National Institute of Milk (INALE), emphasizing lechería as essential for rural employment and development.