MD_DA840                                                         
DA                                                               
MD DA840 Cheese - West                                           

MADISON, WI.  July 29, 2015 (REPORT 30)                          

WEST CHEESE                                                      

Steady cheese production continues in the West as cheesemakers work to absorb 
the readily available milk supplies. Although cyclical heat waves suppress 
milk production for periods of time, the ensuing cooler temperatures and low 
humidity create a rebound. Amidst these ups and downs, most industry contacts 
are observing the typical, slow, seasonal decline in milk intakes. Domestic 
demand for cheese has translated into decent sales volumes, especially the 
consumer desire for branded cheeses. Buoyed by domestic demand, cheese prices 
have moved higher, leading a number of contacts to ask if current prices can 
hold. Manufacturers suggest they are comfortable with present inventories, 
but are considering whether a slowdown in demand will result in increased 
inventories. The DMN National Retail Report - Dairy for the week of July 24 - 
30 shows the U.S. weighted average advertised retail price for an 8 ounce 
pack of natural shredded cheese is $2.43, up $.14 from last week and up $.10 
from a year ago. Packs averaged $2.30 in the Southwest and $2.61 in the 
Northwest. For 8 ounce blocks, the U.S. price is $2.27, down $.09 from last 
week and down $.30 from a year ago. Blocks in the Southwest averaged $2.30, 
and in the Northwest, $2.50. Western wholesale prices are unchanged for Swiss 
cuts, up $.0275 for process, and up $.0200 for all other types. In CME Group 
trading Wednesday, Barrels closed at $1.6900, up $.0450 from last Wednesday 
and Blocks closed at $1.7000, up $.0350. 

WHOLESALE SELLING PRICES:  DELIVERED, DOLLARS PER POUND          
(1000 - 5000 POUNDS MIXED LOTS)                                  
                                                                 
Process 5# Loaf                              : 1.7575-2.0150     
Cheddar 40# Block                            : 1.7750-2.2200     
Cheddar 10# Cuts                             : 1.9550-2.1750     
Monterey Jack 10#                            : 1.9650-2.1250     
Grade A Swiss Cuts 6 - 9#                    : 2.7875-3.2175     

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