MD_DA230

     Fluid Milk and Cream - Central U.S.

     Report 48 - Released on November 29, 2018

     Milk has remained somewhat available following the holiday week, although contacts point out
     that it is not at levels compared to the past three years. Bottling demand is also lower
     than some fluid milk handlers had predicted, particularly in the South-Central area. Fluid
     milk contacts are suggesting that milk alternatives, primarily plant-based beverages, have
     taken a clear toll on the overall industry. Dairies in the Midwest are shuttering at levels
     not matched. That said, dairy cow numbers are not decreasing at the same pace, as larger
     dairies are taking them on in some cases. Cheese plant managers, those who are still
     maintaining regular to busier production schedules, are reaping the benefits of the extra
     milk and ebbing cheese production in the region. Spot milk prices ranged from $1 under to
     $3 under Class for the second week in a row. Milkfat levels remain lower than last year.
     Cream, although more available after the holiday, remains tighter than some processors
     expected it to be earlier in the season. Whipped toppings and cream-based retail/food
     service manufacturing is reportedly maintaining a relatively tight grip on the cream market.
     Upper Midwestern farmers put in extra time late last week to wrap up corn and soybean
     harvests.

     National Retail Report Dairy ± Fluid Milk Summary
     Advertised Prices at Major Retail Supermarket Outlets ending during the period of 11/23/18
     to 11/29/2018

     Half Gallon, All Fat Tests
                       Weighted Average Price
     National     This Period   Last Week   Last Year
      Organic        $2.99        $3.63       $4.39
      Conventional    n.a.        $2.67        n.a.

     Regional (Conventional)
                   Wtd. Ave.      Low          High
     Midwest         n.a.        n.a.         n.a.
     South Central   n.a.        n.a.         n.a.

     Regional (Organic)
                   Wtd. Ave.      Low          High
     Midwest        $2.99        $2.99       $2.99
     South Central   n.a.        n.a.         n.a.

     Gallon, All Fat Tests
                       Weighted Average Price
     National     This Period   Last Week   Last Year
      Organic        $7.57        $5.54        n.a.
      Conventional   $2.09        $3.11       $3.29

     Regional (Conventional)
                   Wtd. Ave.      Low          High
     Midwest        $2.50        $2.50       $2.50
     South Central   n.a.        n.a.         n.a.

     Regional (Organic)
                   Wtd. Ave.      Low          High
     Midwest         n.a.        n.a.         n.a.
     South Central   n.a.        n.a.         n.a.

     Midwestern U.S., F.O.B. Cream
     Multiples Range - All Classes:               1.2600 - 1.3500
     Price Range - Class II; $/LB Butterfat:      2.9955 - 3.1107
     Multiples Range - Class II:                  1.3000 - 1.3500

     Information for the period November 26 - 30, 2018, issued weekly
     Published by:
     Dairy Market News - Madison, WI
     ISRAEL WEBER, 608-422-8601
     Email: israel.weber@ams.usda.gov

     Additional Dairy Market News Information:
     Dairy Market News (DMN) by Phone: (608)422-8602
     DMN Website: http://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/dairy
     DMN Database Portal: http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/da-home