MD_DA230 DA MD DA230 Fluid Milk and Cream Review - Central MADISON, WI. March 19, 2015 (REPORT 11) SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper Midwest - $2.0349-2.1546 Warmer temperatures in the Central region improved milk production rates slightly. Additional milk supplies are available with most milk spot load prices ranging from Class to $1.00 under Class, with some spot loads at $2.00 to $4.00 under. Bottling orders are down. Spring breaks at educational institutions have resulted in reduced orders. There are current retail promotions aiding in demand. Class II demand increased with many manufacturers preparing dips and sour cream products. Cream multiples are uneven this week, ranging from 1.19 to 1.26. Cream supplies tightened up as order volumes increased as many ice cream makers are increasing production. Class III interest is also higher with spring holiday orders coming in. The Southern part of the region is finding wetter weather and therefore a delay in planting, while the Northern part is dry and looking to start fieldwork earlier than usual. The weekly Cow Slaughter under Federal Inspection report shows U.S. dairy cow slaughter for the week ending February 28, at 58,400 head, compared to 61,200 for the same week a year ago. According to DMN National Retail Report-Dairy, the national weighted average advertised price for the week of March 13-19 for a gallon of milk was $3.24 compared to $3.26 a year ago and $2.76 a week ago. In the Midwest, the advertised price for a gallon of milk was $2.64, with a range of $2.50-2.99. 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