In California, temperatures were in the 60s for the Central Valley area, contributing to improved cow comfort. Stakeholders report increased milk production this week compared to last week. Handlers relay butterfat and protein levels in milk volumes are increasing. Some handlers note preliminary records indicate November 2023 milk production is up compared to October 2023, but down compared to November 2022. Processors note current November 2023 milk production as both below and above anticipated volumes. Processors indicate milk supplies are meeting manufacturing needs. Class I demand is stronger as educational institutions resume sessions. Class II demand is steady. Class III and IV demand is strong to steady.
In Arizona, temperatures were in the 70s, contributing to similar cow comfort this week. Farm level milk output is steady. Manufacturers relay milk volumes are looser and meeting manufacturing needs. Demand for all Classes is strong to steady with educational institutions back from holiday breaks.
Temperatures in New Mexico went down to the 40s with some light evening/early morning snow. Impacts to cow comfort were marginal and milk production is steady. Processors indicate milk volumes are meeting production needs, but spot loads are somewhat tight. Demand for all Classes is unchanged.
In the Pacific Northwest, temperatures in some eastern parts of the area went down to the high 20s and this week had some more icy conditions. That said, handlers report current farm level milk output as steady and week to week differences as flat. Demand for all Classes is strong to steady.
In the mountain states of Idaho, Utah, and Colorado temperatures went down to the low 30s in some areas and parts of the area received snow and/or ice. Handlers indicate milk production to be steady to slightly lower compared to recent weeks. That said, processors note milk volumes as plenty to ample for manufacturing needs. All Classes have strong to steady demand.
Cream supplies are looser for most of the West and spot loads are more available. Cream demand is steady. Cream multiples moved lower on both ends this week. Condensed skim milk demand is steady and loads are available for spot buyers.
