MD_DA830                                                         
DA                                                               
MD DA830 Cheese - Midwest                                        

MADISON, WI.  March 18, 2015 (REPORT 11)                         

MIDWEST CHEESE:                                                  
                                                                 
For several weeks little seems to have changed in cheese markets one 
week to the next.  Prices remain within a fairly narrow trading 
range, even with continuing strong volumes of milk being made into 
cheese, reflecting a generally balanced market.  Surplus spot milk is 
available in the Midwest at $1.00 under class and it is being 
purchased to increase cheese volumes.  With most plants already 
maintaining heavy production schedules and the traditional spring 
flush period still ahead, manufacturers are not reporting that 
inventories are burdensome nor are concerns heard about the next few 
weeks as anticipated milk volumes increase.  Some cheese 
manufacturers are keeping production volumes high to be able to meet 
current sales demand while others are scheduling production 
sufficient to also intentionally build inventories.  Some spot loads 
of cheese are available and being purchased from manufacturers.
The National Retail Report - Dairy (DMN) found that March 13 to 19  
Midwest ads for 8 ounce shredded cheese have a weighted average 
advertised price of $1.99, 36 cents lower than the national average, 
$2.35.  The Midwest price range is $1.25 to $2.50.  One year ago the 
national average price was $2.34.  For 8 ounce blocks, the Midwest 
average price is $1.95, 35 cents lower than the national average 
price, $2.30.  Midwest ads are priced from $1.25 to $2.50.  One year 
ago the national average price was $2.44.  Wisconsin wholesale prices 
for 1,000 to 5,000 pound mixed lots of process are up $.0525, Swiss 
is unchanged, and the remaining varieties are up $.0150.  In CME 
Group cheese trading, barrels closed Wednesday this week at $1.5600, 
down $.0050 from Wednesday last week and blocks closed at $1.5700, 
even with last Wednesday.

WISCONSIN WHOLESALE SELLING PRICES:  DELIVERED,                  
DOLLARS PER POUND (1000 - 5000 POUNDS MIXED LOTS)                
                                                                 
Process American 5# Loaf                   : 1.6525-2.0125       
Brick And/Or Muenster 5#                   : 1.9450-2.3700       
Cheddar 40# Block                          : 1.6725-2.0675       
Monterey Jack 10#                          : 1.9200-2.1250       
Blue 5#                                    : 2.2125-3.2000       
Mozzarella 5 - 6# (Low Moisture, Part Skim): 1.7900-2.6850       
Grade A Swiss Cuts 6 - 9#                  : 2.9525-3.0700       

100C eric.graf@ams.usda.gov
USDA/AMS/Dairy Market News, Madison, Wisconsin
Dairy Market News website: www.ams.usda.gov/dairymarketnews
Dairy Market News database portal: http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/da-home