Here’s what USDA/AMS had to say:

Midwest:

Milk production is steady in the Central region and remains up from this time last year. Class I demand is strong, though some contacts anticipate bottling operations to run slower schedules in the coming weeks, when summer breaks begin for educational institutions. Contacts say consumer demand for cottage cheese is strengthening, and Class II processors are pulling in additional milk to keep up with demand. Ice cream makers are also pulling in additional loads of milk, as they ramp up production for the summer. Demand for Class III milk varies somewhat in the Central region. Some cheesemakers say they have plenty of milk within their network or from contracts to run busy production schedules, while a few note looking for spot milk to keep production schedules full. Class III spot milk availability varies throughout the Central region, as some contacts say volumes are available nearby, while others note strong demand for other Classes of milk are keeping offers light. Spot prices for Class III milk increased from last week and range from $4-under to $2-over Class. Demand for Class IV milk is strong.

EAST

Milk production in the East region varies by state. Southern states are in a steady state of production. New England and other northern states have yet to reach peak spring flush production. Milk volumes are sufficient to meet demand for each Class. Class I production is steady. Bottlers anticipate lightened demand as educational institutions begin summer break. Class II demand is strong. Manufacturers, in addition to taking in full contracted volumes, are also purchasing some milk and cream on the spot market. Class III production is steady to strong. Bulk production is increasing amid stronger market tones. Class IV demand is steady to strong. Butter manufacturing is lightening but still operating seven days a week. Milk powder demand remains strong and manufacturers are running full drying schedules.

WEST

Milk production is steady in California. Handlers indicate spring milk production is maintaining good output volumes. Spot milk loads are available. Stakeholders indicate intakes at balancing plants are manageable. Farm level milk output is steady in Arizona and New Mexico. However, Arizona manufacturers are bringing in spot milk loads. Milk production in the Pacific Northwest is mixed this week. Manufacturers indicate plant managers are receiving contracted milk volumes, but spot milk loads are somewhat tight. Stakeholders convey increases in the weight limit for milk tankers are being considered in Oregon. Farm level milk output in the Mountain States of Idaho, Utah, and Colorado is stable. Colorado handlers note there has been more longevity to peak spring output volumes in the state this year. Milk volumes are meeting manufacturer needs in the Mountain States. Class I demands are steady, Class II and III demands vary from steady to stronger, and Class IV demands vary from steady to lighter throughout the region.

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