MD_DA851

     Cheese Highlights

     Report 16 - Released on April 20, 2018

     Major roadways were closed this week due to accumulated snow and rain, accompanied by gusty
     winds, in some areas in the Eastern region. Despite weather conditions, there have not been
     many reports of milk transportation delays. The spring flush spiked milk production in all
     regions, forcing production plants to clear more loads of milk. Spot milk loads are
     regularly seen ranging from $2 to $3 under Class. Cheese production nationwide is active
     with most plants running close to full capacity. Contacts report that the production of hard
     Italian cheeses slowed down due to long aging times. Cheese inventories are mixed across all
     regions. In the West, cheese supply is heavy but manageable, while supplies in the Northeast
     are in decent shape. Cheese demand is steady to decreasing. The market tone is unsettled for
     cheese, however there are reports of food service and retail buyers making more consistent
     purchases.

     Information for the period April 16 - 20, 2018, issued weekly

     Secondary Sourced Information:

     The CME Group weekly average for barrels, $1.4815, is up $.0110 from last week¶s average.
     The average for blocks, $1.6205, is down $.0010

     Published by:
     Dairy Market News - Madison, WI
     AL YANG, (608)422.8598
     Email: Al.Yang@ams.usda.gov

     Additional Dairy Market News Information:
     Dairy Market News (DMN) by Phone: (608)422-8602
     DMN Website: http://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/dairy
     DMN Database Portal: http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/da-home