Fluid Milk and Cream — Western U.S.

March 7

Milk production in California remains trending seasonally higher. However, some handlers say consistent week-to-week increases are slower.

Spot milk load sales are noted at $2-$3 below Class III. Stakeholders indicate balancing plants are running busier schedules with strengthening milk production. A current product recall event and plant system changeovers have increased available milk volumes in the state. Class I and III demands are strong. Class II and IV demands are strong to steady.

A heavy winter storm caused some transportation difficulties and closed some interstate/state highway roadways for multiple days.

Farm level milk output in Arizona is seasonally higher. Handlers relay week-to-week milk production changes are flat and fat components are stronger. Stakeholders note spot load availability is tighter. Demand is strong for Class I and III milk. Demand for all other Classes is strong to steady.

In New Mexico, milk production is steady. Milk volumes are meeting the needs of manufacturers in the state. All Classes have strong to steady demands.

Handlers indicate milk production is stronger in the Pacific Northwest. Stakeholders note neither tight nor loose milk spot load availability. Demand is unchanged for all Class manufacturers.

In the mountain states of Idaho, Utah, and Colorado, farm level milk output is trending seasonally higher. Week-to-week changes are relayed as stronger to steady. Stakeholders convey some spot milk load sales at above flat Class III prices are taking place. Demands from all Class manufacturers are strong to steady.

Although cream generally remains readily available, some stakeholders say cream is starting to be tighter compared to past weeks this year. Cream demand is stronger. Cream multiples moved higher on the bottom ends of both ranges. Stakeholders note looser condensed skim milk availability and stronger condensed skim milk demand.