MD_DA840                                                         
DA                                                               
MD DA840 Cheese - West                                           

MADISON, WI.  April 12, 2017 (REPORT 15)                         

WEST CHEESE   

Cheese production is increasing at a declining rate in the western region. Sales are 
lower and reports suggest that people are buying only what they need. Most cheese 
processors are only selling contracted amounts and they have little opportunity for 
sales outside of contracts. Some end users have already bought and stored the cheese 
needed for later in the year. Export sales are picking up as South Korea and Mexico 
have increased their demand for U.S. cheese. Industry contacts report that cheese 
exports might further increase if the exchange rate drops. Storage spaces are 
currently limited. The DMN National Retail Report-Dairy for the week of April 7-13 
shows the U.S. weighted average advertised retail price for an 8 ounce pack of 
natural shredded cheese is $2.23, up $.03 from last week. Packs average $2.43 in the 
Southwest and $2.18 in the Northwest. One year ago, the national price was $2.27. For 
8 ounce blocks, the U.S. price is $2.11, down $.08 from last week. Blocks average 
$2.36 in the Southwest and $1.57 in the Northwest. One year ago, the national price 
was $2.42. In the West, wholesale prices are up $.0550 for process, and up $.0250 for 
cheddar block, cuts, and Monterey Jack. Swiss cut wholesale prices are down $0.07. In 
CME Group trading Wednesday, barrels closed at $1.4275, down $0.0300 from a week ago 
and blocks closed at $1.4750, down $.0250. 
                                                                                                                              
WHOLESALE SELLING PRICES:  DELIVERED, DOLLARS PER POUND          
(1000 - 5000 POUNDS MIXED LOTS)                                  
                                                                 
Process 5# Loaf                              : 1.5425-1.8000     
Cheddar 40# Block                            : 1.6225-2.0675     
Cheddar 10# Cuts                             : 1.8025-2.0225     
Monterey Jack 10#                            : 1.8125-1.9725     
Grade A Swiss Cuts 6 - 9#                    : 2.8875-3.3175     
 
1530CT Mike.Bandli@ams.usda.gov 608-422-8592
Florence.KoneGonzalez@ams.usda.gov 608-422-8594
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