MD_DA830                                                         
DA                                                               
MD DA830 Cheese - Midwest                                        

MADISON, WI.  October 18, 2017 (REPORT 42)  

MIDWEST CHEESE:
                     
Midwestern cheese producers report continuing declines in milk availability. 
Reported spot milk prices into Class III production ranged from $0.50 to $2.00 
over Class. Plant managers report ongoing maintenance has led to some extra days 
off for production staff. Some colby and Muenster style cheesemakers are seeing a 
big holiday push, as cheddar and pizza cheese producers are reporting steady to 
strong output prior to the holiday season. Large and aging barrel inventories 
continue to countervail an overall positive market tone. However, stable demand 
and healthy market prices resonate to contacts as bullish undertones. The DMN 
National Retail Report-Dairy shows that October 13-19 Midwest ads for 8 ounce 
shred cheese have a weighted average advertised price of $2.21, 7 cents above the 
national average. Midwest prices range from $0.99-$2.50. One year ago, the 
national price was $2.30. For 8 ounce blocks, the Midwest average price is $2.31, 
8 cents above the national average price. Midwest ads are priced from $1.67-
$2.50. Last year, the national price was $2.45. In CME Group trading Wednesday, 
barrels closed at $1.6800, down $.0350 from last Wednesday and blocks closed at 
$1.7200, down $.0375 from last Wednesday. Midwestern wholesale prices are 
unchanged for Swiss cuts, down $.0200 for process and down $.0025 for all other 
types.

WISCONSIN WHOLESALE SELLING PRICES:  DELIVERED,                  
DOLLARS PER POUND (1000 - 5000 POUNDS MIXED LOTS)                
                                                                 
Process American 5# Loaf                   : 1.7950-2.1550       
Brick And/Or Muenster 5#                   : 2.1050-2.5300       
Cheddar 40# Block                          : 1.8325-2.2275       
Monterey Jack 10#                          : 2.0800-2.2850       
Blue 5#                                    : 2.3725-3.3600       
Mozzarella 5 - 6# (Low Moisture, Part Skim): 1.9050-2.8450       
Grade A Swiss Cuts 6 - 9#                  : 2.6800-2.7975       


1300CT Israel.weber@ams.usda.gov 608-422-8601
Al.yang@ams.usda.gov 608-422-8598
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