MD_DA230

     Fluid Milk and Cream - Central U.S.

     Report 15 - Released on April 11, 2019

     Dairy farm milk output is steady week over week, while mixed year over year. Dairy farmers
     are reporting respective increases, while processors relay a comprehensive decline due to
     the ever-increasing amount of farm closures. Bottling has picked up following spring break,
     and is meeting expectations. Cheese plant managers are reporting spot milk from $1 over to
     $2 under Class III. In relation to last year during week 15, the spot milk range was $2
     under to $3.50 under Class. Cheesemakers have reported selling milk loads back onto the spot
     market at premiums. Both discounts and premiums were reported from the lower Central region
     into the upper Midwest, so timing may have played a larger role in whether cheesemakers
     received discounts than location. Cream prices continue to trickle up, as ice cream
     production is on the rise. With a lengthened school year due to snow day closures, some
     contacts are expecting a slight extension on the availability of cream, into June.
     Undoubtedly, the Central region has experienced a tough late winter/early spring. Flooding
     in March left standing water in fields in the northern plains and parts of the Midwest, and
     midweek snowfalls and high winds are only adding to farmers¶ troubles. Rain in parts of the
     southern Central area has delayed corn and bean planting as well. Delays are being regularly
     reported throughout the region.

     National Retail Report Dairy ± Fluid Milk Summary
     Advertised Prices at Major Retail Supermarket Outlets ending during the
     period of 4/5/19 to 4/11/2019


     Half Gallon, All Fat Tests               Weighted Average Price
     National                          This Period       Last Week      Last Year
      Organic                            $4.20             $4.33          $3.54
      Conventional                       $2.03             $1.55          $2.39

     Regional (Conventional)            Wtd. Ave.           Low            High
     Midwest                            $0.99             $0.99           $0.99
     South Central                      $2.50             $2.50           $2.50

     Regional (Organic)                 Wtd. Ave.           Low            High
     Midwest                            $3.99             $3.99          $3.99
     South Central                       n.a.              n.a.           n.a.


     Gallon, All Fat Tests                    Weighted Average Price
     National                          This Period       Last Week      Last Year
      Organic                            $6.41             $6.99          $7.10
      Conventional                       $2.40             $2.46          $2.67

     Regional (Conventional)            Wtd. Ave.           Low            High
     Midwest                            $2.16             $1.99          $2.50
     South Central                      $2.70             $1.99          $3.49

     Regional (Organic)                 Wtd. Ave.           Low            High
     Midwest                             n.a.              n.a.           n.a.
     South Central                      $5.99             $5.99          $5.99

     Midwestern U.S., F.O.B. Cream
     Multiples Range - All Classes:               1.2000 - 1.2800
     Price Range - Class II; $/LB Butterfat:      2.7968 - 2.8870
     Multiples Range - Class II:                  1.2400 - 1.2800


     Information for the period April 8 - 12, 2019, issued weekly

     Published by:
     Dairy Market News - Madison, WI
     ISRAEL WEBER, 608-422-8601
     Email: israel.weber@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