Here’s what USDA/AMS had to say:

Midwest:

Contacts indicate increasing milk volumes in the Central region as the spring flush begins. Output remains up from last year and milk components remain high. Many facilities are resuming normal operations, after scheduled downtime last week increased milk available on the spot market. Class I demand is increasing, as many educational institutions resume operations, after spring break. Class II demand is increasing and many facilities are purchasing spot volumes of cream to bolster production. Ice cream makers are the largest takers of spot cream. Class III manufacturing is up from last week but generally steady. Some cheesemakers are securing spot loads of milk at a discount. Class III spot prices range from $7-under to $2-under. Class IV demand is steady to strong.

EAST

Milk volumes are increasing in the East region. The spring flush is in full swing, but manufacturers are having no problem taking increased volumes. Bottling demand is increasing slightly as many educational institutions are resuming class after spring break. Class II demand is on the rise, with many ice cream facilities ramping up operations, preparing for warmer months ahead. Contacts report an increased amount of spot cream purchased by Class II manufacturers. Class III demand is steady. Contractual volumes are sufficient for current production schedules. Class IV demand is strong.

WEST

California milk production is steady. Handlers report March 2026 milk production is up slightly from the prior month. Year over year milk production for March 2026 is up also. Processors are busily working through milk volumes. Central Valley manufacturers report milk volumes are more manageable and production is running well. Arizona farm level milk output is steady. Some manufacturers are bringing in spot milk to fill open processing capacity and run busier production schedules. Handlers in New Mexico report peak spring milk production is at hand. Pacific Northwest milk production varies from steady to stronger. Some manufacturers are bringing spot milk loads into their production facilities from sellers inside and outside of the Pacific Northwest. Farm level milk output in the Mountain States of Idaho, Utah, and Colorado is steady. Spot milk loads are readily available with some manufacturer downtime in the Mountain States. Stakeholders report that peak spring milk output volumes are good. Class I demand is stronger with many educational institution’s spring breaks completed. Class II demand varies from lighter to steady. Class III and IV demands are steady.

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