MD_DA851

     Cheese Highlights

     Report 12 - Released on March 22, 2019

     Barrel markets are showing real promise of late, as they vie to close the long-running gap
     with the CME block price. Barrel and curd producers in the Midwest are reporting positive
     sales numbers and near-future demand growth, along with balanced inventories. Northeast and
     Western cheese demand reports point to a general stability. Milk remains available, as
     reported spot milk was $.50 under to $2 under Class. Cheese production is steady to
     increasing nationwide. Eastern contacts suggest their cheese stores are steady to growing,
     while Western cheesemakers say demand is stable enough to alleviate some of their concerns
     about long inventories. Cheesemakers are hopeful regarding spring. Holidays, basketball
     playoffs, more grilling and outdoor/community events are some of the demand-related benefits
     of the season.

     Information for the period March 18 - 22, 2019, issued weekly

     Secondary Sourced Information:

     Friday¶s closing price for CME barrels is $1.5650, compared to $1.4925 last week. CME
     blocks¶ closing price is $1.5700, compared to 1.5600 last Friday.

     Published by:
     Dairy Market News - Madison, WI
     ISRAEL WEBER, 608-422-8601
     Email: israel.weber@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