MD_DA230

     Fluid Milk and Cream - Central U.S.

     Report 39 - Released on September 30, 2021

     Milk production has quickly turned a corner with cooler weather in all parts of the region.
     Upper Midwest temperatures have been ideal for cow comfort for weeks. Additionally,
     Central/Southern area farmers are seeing upticks in milk output, as well. Bottling orders
     are slowing down now that school pipelines are generally fulfilled. Bottling and balancing
     plant contacts, alike, continue to report staffing concerns. Some report they have increased
     wages to maintain fully staffed shifts. Some have also mentioned that there have been slight
     improvements in recent weeks, but they are far from in the clear regarding staffing.
     Speaking of cheese plants, spot milk prices ranged from $1.25 under Class to $1 over Class.
     Cheesemakers say offers were somewhat regular this week. Most reported prices were at/around
     Class. Cream availability is still a mixed bag from early to late week, but multiples
     increased on the bottom for Class IV, while moving lower for Class II producers. Butter
     producers are continually reporting staffing/driver shortages are keeping production limited
     during the pivotal seasonal demand changes. Despite the mostly dry summer season in the
     upper Midwest, early harvest reports are generally positive. Some high plains areas which
     needed rain received it. There are farmers in other areas that are not as fortunate, though.


     Price Range - Class III Milk; $/CWT; Spot Basis:   -1.25 – 1.00
     Trade Activity: Moderate


     Midwestern U.S., F.O.B. Cream
     Multiples Range - All Classes:               1.3000 - 1.4000
     Price Range - Class II; $/LB Butterfat:      2.3383 - 2.4430
     Multiples Range - Class II:                  1.3400 - 1.4000


     Information for the period September 27 -  October 1, 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