MD_DA840                                                         
DA                                                               
MD DA840 Cheese - West                                           

MADISON, WI.  May 20, 2015 (REPORT 20)                           

WEST CHEESE                                                      

Ample milk production has been driving steady cheese output in the West. 
There appears to be firm contract sales. However, some industry participants 
note an increasing desire by manufacturers to offer spot loads of cheese, 
possibly to keep inventories in check. Completed spot transactions have been 
limited as buyers focus on immediate needs and hold some expectation that 
prices may soften slightly.  The DMN National Retail Report-Dairy for the 
week of May 15 - 21 shows the U.S. weighted average advertised retail 
price for an 8 ounce pack of natural shredded cheese is $2.43, up $.04 
from last week but down $.09 from a year ago.  Packs averaged $2.18 in 
the Southwest and $1.83 in the Northwest.  For 8 ounce blocks, the 
U.S. price is $2.39, no change from last week but down 9 cents from a 
year ago.  Blocks in the Southwest averaged $1.97 and in the 
Northwest, $1.83.  Western wholesale prices are down $.0050 for 
process, no change for Swiss cuts, and up $.0050 all other types.  In 
CME Group trading Wednesday, Barrels closed at $1.6150, up $.0050 from last 
Wednesday and Blocks closed at $1.6350, up $.0225.  

WHOLESALE SELLING PRICES:  DELIVERED, DOLLARS PER POUND          
(1000 - 5000 POUNDS MIXED LOTS)                                  
                                                                 
Process 5# Loaf                              : 1.7450-2.0025     
Cheddar 40# Block                            : 1.7250-2.1700     
Cheddar 10# Cuts                             : 1.9050-2.1250     
Monterey Jack 10#                            : 1.9150-2.0750     
Grade A Swiss Cuts 6 - 9#                    : 2.7500-3.1800     

1530CT 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