MD_DA830                                                         
DA                                                               
MD DA830 Cheese - Midwest                                        

MADISON, WI.  April 29, 2015 (REPORT 17)                         

MIDWEST CHEESE:                                                  
      
Most Midwest cheese plants remain busy, pushed along by the higher 
volumes of milk being produced.  The volume of plant production for 
several weeks is taking a personnel toll, leaving some cheese facility 
staff feeling "exhausted".   Some extra barrel production is 
occurring, but less so than last week, because customers are 
increasingly stocked to suit their needs.  Interest in Cheddar remains 
strong, but Italian varieties, while still receiving good demand, are 
closer to a desired balance.  Most cheese manufacturers are satisfied 
with customer demand accommodating higher available seasonal milk 
supplies going into cheese.  Market price stability for blocks in 
particular, through mid-week, seems to reflect that.  The National 
Retail Report - Dairy (DMN) found that April 24 to April 30  Midwest 
ads for 8 ounce shredded cheese have a weighted average advertised 
price of $2.33, 21 cents lower than the national average, $2.54.  
Midwest prices range from $1.69 - $2.99.  One year ago the national 
average price was $2.44.  For 8 ounce blocks, the Midwest average 
price is $2.27, 11 cents lower than the national average price, $2.38.  
Midwest ads are priced from $1.69 to $2.99.  One year ago the national 
average price was $2.21.   NASS reports that March 31, 2015 East North 
Central region (Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio) American 
cheese stocks were 106% of March 31, 2014, but 98% of February 28, 
2015.  East North Central region other cheese stocks were 104% of March 31, 
2014 and 103% of February 28, 2015.   Wisconsin wholesale prices for 1,000 
to 5,000 pound mixed lots of process cheese increased $.0075, Grade A 
Swiss Cuts 6 - 9# were unchanged, and the remaining varieties 
increased $.0275.  In CME Group trading Wednesday, Barrels closed at 
$1.6175, down $.0025 from last Wednesday and Blocks closed at $1.6100, 
unchanged.  
                                                           
WISCONSIN WHOLESALE SELLING PRICES:  DELIVERED,                  
DOLLARS PER POUND (1000 - 5000 POUNDS MIXED LOTS)                
                                                                 
Process American 5# Loaf                   : 1.7300-2.0900       
Brick And/Or Muenster 5#                   : 1.9800-2.4050       
Cheddar 40# Block                          : 1.7075-2.1025       
Monterey Jack 10#                          : 1.9550-2.1600       
Blue 5#                                    : 2.2475-3.2350       
Mozzarella 5 - 6# (Low Moisture, Part Skim): 1.7800-2.7200       
Grade A Swiss Cuts 6 - 9#                  : 2.7700-2.8875       

100C eric.graf@ams.usda.gov  608.557.7005
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