MD_DA230 Fluid Milk and Cream - Central U.S. Report 20 - Released on May 14, 2020 Most reports are pointing to lighter milk yields coming off dairy farms. Notably, this time of year is, in a normal year, still reporting spring level output. However, a number of programs and self-imposed cuts have created an unseasonable shift downward. Milk is mostly plentiful, and bottlers are clearing some loads. Cheesemakers are still reporting discounts, but they are fewer and farther between. There were some over-Class III reported prices, as well. This is only the second time this year Class-plus pricing was reported. The discounts into cheese production are not expected to remain long, likely not into next week. With more cheesemakers actively producing, milk is being spread thin, particularly when compared to two and three weeks ago. Cream availability is the story of the week. Butter makers say cream prices have steepened sharply from just a few weeks ago when reported multiples were less than half of what they were this week. Undoubtedly, ice cream and cream cheese producers are busier, refilling food service and retail pipelines. Cream contacts expect the tighter markets to continue into next week, and likely longer. Crop reports are stronger. Fieldwork is going strong in the upper Midwest. Compared to a very wet 2019 planting season, farmers are/were eager to get into the fields this year as early as possible, and those plans have come into fruition. Price Range - Class III Milk; $/CWT; Spot Basis: -5.00 - +0.50 Trade Activity: Active Midwestern U.S., F.O.B. Cream Multiples Range - All Classes: 1.1000 - 1.2900 Price Range - Class II; $/LB Butterfat: 1.4976 - 1.6099 Multiples Range - Class II: 1.2000 - 1.2900 Information for the period May 11 - 15, 2020, 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: https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/dairy DMN MARS (My Market News): https://mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov