California had no big upticks in milk production volumes this week. However, handlers note increased fat component levels with similar milk output volumes. Lower temperatures in the state yielded some improvement to cow comfort. Most plant managers note comfortable milk volumes for processing facilities and some open processing capacity, making spot milk loads tighter. Class I demand is strong. Demands for Classes II, III, and IV are steady. According to the California Department of Water Resources, precipitation during October has been below the historical average thus far for the current water year, but state reservoirs remain above the historical average.
In Arizona, temperatures were slightly above or below the 100 degree-mark for most of the week, keeping higher milk production at bay. Handlers report recent week to week differences are flat. Spot loads of milk are tight. Demand for Class I milk is strong. All other Classes have steady demand.
Temperatures for most of the week in New Mexico were slightly above or below the 80-degree mark, contributing to seasonally lower farm level milk output. Changes in recent week to week production differences are reported as marginal. Class I and III demands are strong, while Class II and IV demands are steady.
In parts of the Pacific Northwest some light snow and heavy rains are reported. Stakeholders relay a chance of overnight freezing is possible late this week/early next week. Some handlers indicate milk production is lower this week compared to the previous week. Class I and IV demands are strong to steady. Class II and III demands are steady.
In the mountain states of Idaho, Utah, and Colorado milk production is seasonally lower. Some handlers in Idaho relay farm level milk output is slightly below anticipated volumes. However, enough milk volumes are available to keep plants full. Overall, spot loads of milk are slightly more limited in the mountain states this week. Demand for Classes I, III, and IV are strong to steady. Class II demand is steady.
Although fat component levels of milk output are improving in some parts of the region, cream is tight. Cream multiples held firm this week. Cream demand is strong to steady. Condensed skim milk is slightly looser.
