In California, temperatures dropped from the 90s to the low 70s for the second part of the week, giving some recent improvement to cow comfort. Handlers relay week to week differences in milk output have flattened. Some handlers note preliminary records indicate September 2023 milk production was slightly below anticipated levels. Some open capacity is reported by processors. However, unexpected power outages caused some tightening of processing capacity and forced some milk to be diverted to different facilities. The unexpected downtime contributed to tight spot load availability of milk. Class I, III, and IV demand is strong to steady. Class II demand is steady. Stakeholders relay late corn is being harvested and oats are getting planted. Stakeholders relay water volumes available for irrigation are in good shape through November and some anticipation of a need to make some reservoir space for the winter.
In Arizona, temperatures were slightly below or above the 100 degree mark for most of the week. Milk production is seasonally lower and spot loads are tight. Class I demand is strong to steady. All other Class demand is steady.
Temperatures were in the higher 70s most of the week in New Mexico, helping cow comfort minimally. Although farm level milk output is seasonally lower, handlers indicate flat week to week differences recently. Class I and III demand is strong to steady, while Class II and IV demand is steady.
The western portion of the Pacific Northwest was rainier and colder compared to the eastern portion of the area this week. Recent near-term farm level milk output trends are reported as flat to slightly lower. However, handlers indicate looser spot load availability compared to southern parts of the West region. All Classes have steady demand.
In the mountain states of Idaho, Utah, and Colorado, recent week to week milk production differences are mixed. For Idaho and Utah, flat to somewhat higher differences are reported. For Colorado, recent trends are reported as flat. Spot load availability in Idaho, especially, is looser than in other parts of the West. Some handlers in Idaho indicate incoming milk volumes are heavier than processing capacities recently. Demand is unchanged for all Classes.
Cream is tight, overall, although cream is looser in some northern parts of the West region. Demand is steady. With cream more available in some northern parts of the region, cream multiples are slightly lower on both ends this week. Condensed skim milk is somewhat tight, but expected to loosen in the near future.
Western U.S., F.O.B. Cream
Price Range - All Classes; $/LB Butterfat: 3.7447 - 4.6379
Multiples Range - All Classes: 1.0900 - 1.3500
Price Range - Class II; $/LB Butterfat: 4.1226 - 4.6379
Multiples Range - Class II: 1.2000 - 1.3500
