MD_DA440  
DA 
MD DA440 BUTTER - WEST 

MADISON, WI.  May 3, 2017 (REPORT 18)

Western butter contacts suggest market sales have flattened out since the spring 
holidays. Butter demand is steady, however buyers do not feel compelled to make 
additional purchases. Inventories are building seasonally and in some cases, are already 
heavy. There is plenty of cream available for churning. Some manufacturers would like to 
slow production to match current demand and to keep butter stock volumes in check. 
Processors continue to shift from print to bulk butter production. The DMN National 
Retail Report-Dairy for the week of April 28-May 4 found that the U.S. weighted average 
advertised price of 1 pound butter is $3.22, up $.31 from last week. The U.S. weighted 
average price was $3.03 one year ago. In the Southwest, the weighted average advertised 
price of 1 pound butter is $3.24 with a price range of $2.99-$3.50. There were no 
reported prices for 1 pound butter in the Northwest. The CME Group April 2017 monthly 
average price for AA butter, $2.0992, is down from the March monthly average of $2.1392. 
One year ago the CME Group monthly average was $2.0563. The Grade AA butter price at the 
CME Group on Wednesday closed at $2.1200, up $.0225 from a week ago.


1530CT Mike.Bandli@ams.usda.gov 608.422.8592
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