MD_DA350 Buttermilk - Eastern and Central U.S. Report 50 - Released on December 16, 2021 CENTRAL: Dry buttermilk prices climbed higher in the Central region. Some processors are running lighter drying schedules. Inventories are notably tight, and demand for dry buttermilk is currently outpacing availability. Spot trading is reportedly limited. Some market participants expect the market will open up more next week as dry buttermilk demand wanes over the holiday and increased volumes of cream move into churns. EAST: Eastern dry buttermilk prices shifted upward this week. Cream is tight throughout the region, contributing to reduced butter churning schedules, and reduced buttermilk availability, for some dairy processors. Dry buttermilk production is mixed. Strong demand is present, but regional inventories are snug. Some market participants have been able to source product in other regions, but freight costs are steep, and trucking shortages and delays persist. Prices for: Eastern and Central U.S., All First Sales, F.O.B., Conventional, and Edible Buttermilk Price Range ; $/LB: 1.4000 - 1.5300 Information for the period December 13 - 17, 2021, issued weekly Published by: Dairy Market News - Madison, WI CHELSEA ROCHELLE, 608-422-8594 Email: Chelsea.Rochelle@usda.gov Additional Dairy Market News Information: Dairy Market News (DMN) by Phone: (608)422-8602 DMN Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/dairy DMN MARS (My Market News): https://mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov