Market News

Strong finish for the week

Unfilled bids pushed cash dairy prices higher on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange on Friday. Cheese barrels increased 2 cents, blocks gained 2.75 cents, butter increased a penny and nonfat dry milk was up a quarter-cent.  Class III futures were mixed.

Compared to a week ago, cash cheese barrels gained 5.5 cents, blocks are 8 cents higher, butter is 11.5 cents higher and nonfat dry milk increased a half-cent. Class III futures November gained 31 cents, December up 22 cents, January slipped a nickel and May lost 7 cents.

Milk production is variable across the country. Dairy Market News production is increasing in Florida, Texas and New Mexico.  Bottled milk demand is strong with some retailers increasing orders and running in-store specials.  The production of seasonal items for the Holidays is drawing some milk away from the usual channels.

Butter production is active with some butter makers looking for spot loads. Some concern that once the Holiday orders are filled along with the increase in imports, prices could slide.  Cheese production is steady across the country as the fill the strong demand for natural cheese varieties.  It’s Holiday gift pack time.