MD_DA830                                                         
DA                                                               
MD DA830 Cheese - Midwest                                        

MADISON, WI.  July 15, 2015 (REPORT 28)                          

MIDWEST CHEESE:                                                  

Cheese makers report milk intakes have remained relatively steady or have only 
dropped slightly, even with the recent increase in humidity and temperatures. Many 
manufacturers are still running full production schedules in order to absorb the 
available milk. They also note a decrease in milk components. Demand has been 
steady. Buyers are still active in contacting cheese makers for barrels. However, 
some industry contacts are asking how long this healthy demand can continue. End 
users and cut and wrap operators have rebuilt inventories that were drawn down at 
the end of last year. With football season and school terms resuming in a little 
over one month, some manufacturers are planning to transition a part of their 
production to mozzarella over the next few weeks. The DMN National Retail Report - 
Dairy shows that July 10 - 16 Midwest ads for 8 ounce shredded cheese have a 
weighted average advertised price of $2.23, 11 cents lower than the national 
average. Midwest prices range from $1.99 - $2.99. One year ago the national price 
was $2.58. For 8 ounce blocks, the Midwest average price is $2.24, 4 cents lower 
than the national average price. Midwest ads are priced from $1.99 to $2.99. Last 
year, the national price was $2.57. Midwestern wholesale prices are unchanged for 
Swiss cuts, up $.0225 for process, and up $.0400 for all other types. In CME Group 
trading Wednesday, Barrels closed at $1.6100, up $.0200 from last Wednesday and 
Blocks closed at $1.6400, down $.0125. 

WISCONSIN WHOLESALE SELLING PRICES:  DELIVERED,                  
DOLLARS PER POUND (1000 - 5000 POUNDS MIXED LOTS)                
                                                                 
Process American 5# Loaf                   : 1.7175-2.0775       
Brick And/Or Muenster 5#                   : 2.0400-2.4650       
Cheddar 40# Block                          : 1.7675-2.1625       
Monterey Jack 10#                          : 2.0150-2.2200       
Blue 5#                                    : 2.3075-3.2950       
Mozzarella 5 - 6# (Low Moisture, Part Skim): 1.8400-2.7800       
Grade A Swiss Cuts 6 - 9#                  : 2.7275-2.8450       

2015 U.S. Cheese Imports (USDA-FAS)

                  (Million Lb.)       % Change From   % of 
                                      1 Year Ago      Yearly Quota

June  Quota Imports  18.0               + 34              6

Jan. - June    
High Tier            16.9               + 21              N.A.
Quota Imports        96.0               + 30              26


1300C mike.bandli@ams.usda.gov  608-557-7010
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