MD_DA431 DA MD DA431 BUTTER - CENTRAL MADISON, WI. April 20, 2016 (Report 16) With cream readily available within the Central region, churn operators report butter production is ongoing. Print and bulk lines are active. Retail orders perked up ahead of the remaining spring holidays and as consumer outlets re-evaluate butter holdings. Orders from food service increased as resort-based and traditional restaurants gear up for the vacation season. Some manufacturers indicate they've been unable to add to their inventories lately due to the uptick in print orders. Although cream is plentiful now, butter producers continue to plan ahead for late summer coverage when cream is usually less available. The DMN National Retail Report-Dairy for April 15-21 noted the national weighted average advertised price for a 1 pound package of butter was $2.99, $0.06 below one week ago, and $0.27 below one year ago. The weighted average prices in the Midwest and South Central regions are $2.76 and $2.50, respectively. The market tone is mixed. Some participants indicate large end users recently supported the market with active buying for Q3 coverage. However, that coverage is complete and current interest is lighter. Wednesday at the CME Group, Grade AA butter closed at $2.0400, down three cents from last Wednesday. This week, bulk butter prices range from market to 9 cents over, with various time frames and averages used. 2016 U.S. Cheese Imports (USDA-FAS) 2016 Imports % Change From % of (Million Lb.) 1 Year Ago Yearly Quota March Quota 20.9 + 15.6 7.0 TOTAL, JAN - MAR High Tier 10.9 + 32.7 ... Quota 59.3 + 35.8 19.8 1530CT Janet.Linder@ams.usda.gov 608.557.7011 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/map/da-home