MD_DA830                                                         
DA                                                               
MD DA830 Cheese - Midwest                                        

MADISON, WI.  December 30, 2015 (REPORT 52)                      

MIDWEST CHEESE:                                                  
                                                                 

Cheese production is scheduled very heavily at most Midwest cheese plants. Spot milk 
is readily available at prices ranging from $3.00 to $8.00 under Class. Cheese is a 
preferred use for the extra milk not needed for retail fluid markets. Moreover, 
Wisconsin milk production in particular, has been noticeably above year ago levels. 
Substantial milk volumes are pushing cheese production schedules. Consumer demand has 
been good, but the higher volumes of cheese production during many recent months have 
overwhelmed demand, with less help from exports than had been hoped for. The DMN 
National Retail Report-Dairy shows that December 25-December 31 Midwest ads for 8 
ounce shredded cheese have a weighted average advertised price of $2.17, 10 cents 
lower than the national average. Midwest prices range from $1.49 - $2.50. One 
year ago the national price was $2.35. For 8 ounce blocks, the Midwest average 
price is $2.01, 18 cents lower than the national average price. Midwest ads are 
priced from $0.98 to $2.50. Last year, the national price was $2.51. Midwestern 
wholesale prices are unchanged for Swiss cuts and process, but down $.0150 for all other 
types. In CME Group trading Wednesday, barrels closed at $1.4800, up $.0600 from last 
Wednesday and blocks closed at $1.4500, up $.0500. 

WISCONSIN WHOLESALE SELLING PRICES:  DELIVERED,                  
DOLLARS PER POUND (1000 - 5000 POUNDS MIXED LOTS)                
                                                                 
Process American 5# Loaf                   : 1.5275-1.8875       
Brick And/Or Muenster 5#                   : 1.7925-2.2175       
Cheddar 40# Block                          : 1.5200-1.9150       
Monterey Jack 10#                          : 1.7675-1.9725       
Blue 5#                                    : 2.0600-3.0475       
Mozzarella 5 - 6# (Low Moisture, Part Skim): 1.5925-2.5325       
Grade A Swiss Cuts 6 - 9#                  : 2.7275-2.8450       



1200C eric.graf@ams.usda.gov  608-557-7005
USDA/AMS/Dairy Market News, Madison, Wisconsin
Dairy Market News website: http://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/dairy
Dairy Market News database portal: http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/da-home