MD_DA230 DA MD DA230 Fluid Milk and Cream Review - Central MADISON, WI. February 19, 2015 (REPORT 7) SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper Midwest - $2.0367-2.1748 Milk production is remaining steady at above year ago levels. With the drop in milk price, some farmers have supplemented cash flow by buying more cows, adding to production levels. Milk loads are selling for Class and heading to cheese plants. Cream demand is up. There are ample supplies and favorable pricing. Winter storms in the east part of the region led to delays in trucking. Class I demand is lower as bottling demand has weakened. Class II demand is mixed. Reports show that ice cream manufacturers are making and storing product in anticipation of warmer temperatures. Some manufacturers are reporting cream is available. Reports indicate that the field work in the southern part of the Central region has started, but due to unseasonal colder weather, progress has been put on hold which could lead to delays in planting. The northern part is dealing with snow and colder than normal temperatures. Cream multiples moved higher this week, ranging from 1.18 to 1.26. According to DMN National Retail Report- Dairy, the national weighted average advertised price for the week of February 13 through February 19 for a gallon of milk was $3.44 compared to $2.87 a year ago and $2.99 a week ago. In the Midwest, there were no advertisements for a gallon of milk. The advertised price for a half gallon of milk was $2.48 and the national average price was $1.92. 1100CT Tara.Herbst@ams.usda.gov 608-278-4154 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