Block cheese price slipped 0.50 cent, closing at $1.50 with 14 loads traded. Some of the loads were traded at $1.4975, but price was able to come off the low into the close. Barrel cheese price increased 2.25 cents, closing at $1.6150 with eight loads traded. This activity had very little effect on Class III futures, but it did move contracts from slightly negative to slightly positive. This is understandable as the strength in barrels would increase the cash calculation for Class III price. Class III futures are steady to 10 cents higher with trading activity only in June through December contracts. Butter price declined 1.50 cents closing at $1.7750 with no loads traded. Grade A nonfat dry milk price remained unchanged at $1.26 with no loads traded. Dry whey price remained unchanged at 60.25 with no loads traded. Class IV futures are 5 cents higher. Butter futures are 1.25 -- 1.77 cents lower. Dry whey futures are 0.50 to 0.75 cent lower. USDA will release the April Dairy Products report Friday afternoon.
