MD_DA840                                                         
DA                                                               
MD DA840 Cheese - West                                           

MADISON, WI.  August 19, 2015 (REPORT 33)                        

WEST CHEESE                                                      

Western cheese production has been active as cheese makers continue to use the 
readily available milk. Milk intakes are following a typical seasonal declining 
pattern, but some contacts report supplies have exceeded what was expected for 
the summer. Manufacturers have relied on strong domestic cheese demand to offset 
limited export opportunities. This demand has allowed processors to keep 
inventories in check. Some industry contacts are seeing an increase in price 
competition from European imports on some varieties of cheese.

The DMN National Retail Report - Dairy for the week of August 14-20 shows the U.S. 
weighted average advertised retail price for an 8 ounce pack of natural shredded 
cheese is $2.35, up $.01 from last week but down $.26 from a year ago. Packs averaged 
$2.35 in the Southwest and $2.40 in the Northwest. For 8 ounce blocks, the U.S. price 
is $2.36, up $.07 from last week but down $.20 from a year ago. Blocks in the 
Southwest averaged $2.17, and in the Northwest, $2.16.

Western wholesale prices are unchanged for Swiss cuts, unchanged for process, 
and down $.0175 for all other types. 

In CME Group trading Wednesday, Barrels closed at $1.6600, down $.0375 from 
last Wednesday and Blocks closed at $1.6900, down $.0400. 

WHOLESALE SELLING PRICES:  DELIVERED, DOLLARS PER POUND          
(1000 - 5000 POUNDS MIXED LOTS)                                  
                                                                 
Process 5# Loaf                              : 1.8175-2.0750     
Cheddar 40# Block                            : 1.8275-2.2725     
Cheddar 10# Cuts                             : 2.0075-2.2275     
Monterey Jack 10#                            : 2.0175-2.1775     
Grade A Swiss Cuts 6 - 9#                    : 2.8300-3.2600     

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

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

July  Quota Imports  20.9               + 30             7

Jan. - July    
High Tier            20.5               + 20             N.A.
Quota Imports       116.9               + 30             39


1530CT Mike.Bandli@ams.usda.gov 608.557.7010
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