MD_DA851 Cheese Highlights Report 7 - Released on February 19, 2021 Milk remains ample for cheese production across all regions. However, this week's low end of the spot milk price range shored up from $8.50 to $6.50 under Class, but spot milk trading was quieter in general. Cheese production rates are somewhat busy. That said, contacts in the Midwest and West reported varying weekly schedules. In the West, some cheesemakers are undergoing pre-spring flush maintenance. Cheese demand notes are somewhat steady. Food service sales are mixed, as they have been. That said, some easing of restrictions in restaurants/bars has curd producers reporting heartier orders in recent weeks. Eastern contacts relayed inventories of fresh supplies are edging higher. Cheese market tones are somewhat vulnerable in recent weeks. As market impacts from COVID-19 near their first anniversary, food service purchasing has not fully recovered. Additionally, questions regarding governmental awards and ample milk availability are weaving a thread of uncertainty throughout the cheese narrative. Information for the period February 15 - 19, 2021, issued weekly Secondary Sourced Information: The weekly average price for CME barrels is $1.4419, compared to $1.4980 last week. CME blocks’ weekly average is $1.5338, compared to $1.6025 last week. 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