MD_DA230 DA MD DA230 Fluid Milk and Cream Review - Central MADISON, WI. March 02, 2017 (REPORT 9) Milk production continues to build across the Central United States. With good supplies of feedstocks and comfortable weather, North and South Central contacts report milk components are particularly strong on fat and protein content. Demand from bottlers is steady to lower throughout the region as some school districts are beginning to cut back on orders ahead of spring break. Interest from Class III manufacturers is steady to increasing. Some cheese makers, however, are content with their current milk supply as they are managing growing cheese inventories. Spot loads are available at $1.50 to $2.00 under Class. Cream, like milk, is plentiful. Some North Central region contacts were offered cream from as far away as the Pacific coast. Contacts report the spring holiday season has producers of sour cream, cream cheese and some other holiday favorites preparing for a retail push increasing Class II interest. Adding to that, the unseasonably warm weather has prompted more interest from ice cream makers. Class II cream multiples are in the 1.04 to 1.15 range. The DMN National Retail Report-Dairy for February 24-March 2 noted the national weighted average advertised price for one gallon of milk was $2.31, down $0.31 from a week ago, and $0.21 lower than a year ago. The weighted average regional prices in the Midwest and South Central were $1.97 and $2.58, respectively. SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper Midwest - $2.2146-2.4488 1100CT Israel.weber@ams.usda.gov 608.422.8601 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