MD_DA230 Fluid Milk and Cream - Central U.S. Report 5 - Released on February 04, 2021 With the exception of some farmer contacts in the eastern portion of the Central region reporting flatter milk output, the rest, and most, of the region is reporting increasing yields. Some contacts have said spring flush has begun mid-winter. That being said, frigid temperatures are coming, along with winter precipitation. Highs in the single digits and lows below zero are conditions that dairy farmers have not had much experience with up to this point in 2021. Contacts are resolutely concerned about cow health/milk output in the weeks upcoming. Now, though, there is more than enough milk for bottling and all processing throughout the Midwest and South Central areas. Bottling demand continues to underwhelm milk suppliers. Cheese producers reported $8.50 discounts on Class III spot milk again this week, even though offers were less frequent than a few weeks ago. Spot milk in week 5 of 2020 were at Class to $1.50 under for a comparison of the widely available milk currently. Cream is beginning to show slight indications of firming. Multiples edged up, as ice cream production has steadily and slowly increased in the past few weeks. As with dairy farmers, winter wheat farmers in the southern portion of the region are concerned about freezing temperatures ahead. Some farmer contacts reported dealing with COVID-19 among hands and peers, as well. The DMN monthly average of the range price series for Upper Midwest Class II cream during January was $1.6620, compared to $1.7103 in December. Price Range - Class III Milk; $/CWT; Spot Basis: -8.50 - -5.00 Trade Activity: Moderate Midwestern U.S., F.O.B. Cream Multiples Range - All Classes: 1.1700 - 1.2400 Price Range - Class II; $/LB Butterfat: 1.5438 - 1.5953 Multiples Range - Class II: 1.2000 - 1.2400 Information for the period February 1 - 5, 2021, 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