In California, temperatures have been in the 60s/70s recently, contributing to improved cow comfort. Stakeholders report farm level milk output as flat to slightly lower for this week compared to last week. That said, processors indicate milk supplies are ample for meeting manufacturing needs. Some handlers note preliminary records indicate November milk production is up slightly compared to October, but marginally under anticipated levels for November thus far. Class I demand is lighter as educational institutions have their breaks for the current holiday week. Class II and III demands are steady. Class IV demand is strong to steady.
In Arizona, temperatures decreased to the lower 80s/70s. Milk production is steady. However, manufacturers say milk volumes are somewhat tight. Stakeholders suggest availability of spot milk loads will improve for upcoming weeks with some downtime during the current holiday week and decreasing temperatures. Demand for all Classes is steady.
Recent temperatures in New Mexico ranged from mid 60s to low 50s with some thunderstorm activity. Farm level milk output in New Mexico is steady. Handlers indicate enough milk volumes are available to meet manufacturing needs, but also that milk volumes are somewhat tight for spot load buyers. Demands for all Classes are strong to steady.
In the Pacific Northwest, temperatures in some eastern parts of the area reached low enough for early morning icy conditions on the coldest day of this week. That said, handlers report current milk production is steady to higher and in line with anticipated levels. Class I use is lighter with current week holiday breaks at educational institutions. Demands for Classes II and III are steady. Demand for Class IV is strong to steady.
Farm level milk output in the mountain states of Idaho, Utah, and Colorado is reported as steady to higher. Some manufacturers in Idaho indicate milk volumes available for spot purchasing are looser, which is keeping full processing schedules going. A few handlers in the state note milk volumes slightly below anticipated levels and suggest some farmers are being more conservative with farm operation expenditures. Class I demand is lighter with the holiday week at hand. Class II demand is steady. Class III and IV demand is strong.
Cream is looser throughout the West and spot load availability increased this week. Demand for cream is strong to steady. Cream multiples moved slightly lower on the top end of the range for all Classes. Contracted condensed skim milk sales are steady, and spot loads are available. However, some stakeholders note less activity from spot load buyers, with some manufacturers planning downtime during the current holiday week
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