Western U.S. milk and cream report

Nov. 26

In California, handlers convey milk production for this week compared to last week as steady or somewhat stronger. That said, some handlers also note preliminary records indicate November milk production to be down from October milk production.

Stakeholders report balancing plants are less active than seasonally expected. Spot milk loads continue to be tight. According to processors, the Central Valley has not received any of the flooding or disruptions from flooding that has taken place in other parts of the state. Demands for Class I and III milk are strong. Demands for Class II and IV milk are steady. According to the National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS) milk production report, October 2024 milk production is down from October 2023 California milk production, both in terms of total milk production and milk per cow.

In Arizona, milk production is stronger. All Class demands are steady. According to the NASS milk production report, October 2024 Arizona milk production is below October 2023 milk production, despite the milk per cow comparison showing an increase.

For New Mexico, farm level milk output is stronger. Demands for all Classes are steady. According to the NASS milk production report October 2024 versus October 2023 comparison, New Mexico milk cow numbers decreased by 18,000 head, but milk per cow increased by 55 pounds. Total milk production in the state for October 2024 is down 4.4 percent compared to October 2023 according to the report.

Handlers in the Pacific Northwest note farm level milk output as steady or somewhat weaker. However, milk supplies are ample for manufacturing needs. All Class manufacturing demands are steady.

In the mountain states of Idaho, Utah and Colorado, farm level milk output varies from steady to somewhat stronger. Spot milk availability is looser for the holiday week, as some manufacturers are fitting in downtime to various degrees. Demands for Class I, II, III and IV are mixed. Stakeholders indicate cream volumes remain easily sufficient to accommodate needs throughout most of the region.

However, there is mixed demand for cream loads and, stakeholders also report cream multiples moving higher on the top end of both ranges this week. Condensed skim milk availability is mixed, and condensed skim milk demand is lighter.

Fluid Milk and Cream Review: https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_1102.pdf