Temperatures in the Central Valley area of California were in the 70s most of the week. Handlers indicate increasing fat components in milk output and milk production is trending up. Manufacturers note most plants are at comfortable levels and balancing needs are in good shape in the state. That said, some manufacturers do report open processing capacities at facilities. Handlers and manufacturers relay spot loads of milk are more available for buyers recently. Class I demand is strong. All other Classes have steady demand. According to the California Department of Water Resources, as of November 7, 2023, precipitation totals are below the historical average thus far for the 2023-2024 water year that began on October 1, 2023. That said, the California Department of Water Resources also reports as of November 8, 2023, the estimated total statewide reservoir storage is at 25.00 million acre feet, which is 125 percent of the historical average.
In Arizona, temperatures were slightly above or below the 90-degree mark most of the week. Changes in cow comfort were minimal. Handlers mostly indicate week to week differences in milk production have stayed flat. Some stakeholders note spot milk loads as tight. Class demands are unchanged.
In New Mexico, temperatures were in the 60s/70s during this week. Handlers indicate week to week differences in farm level milk output as flat to trending up recently. Demands for all Classes are strong to steady.
Temperatures throughout the Pacific Northwest ranged from the 40s to the 60s, with the coldest temperatures in the eastern Washington state area, and the hottest temperatures in the upper Oregon state area. Most of the Pacific Northwest received a fair amount of rain this week. Handlers indicate farm level milk output has bounced back this week from a lower prior week. Demands for Classes I, II, III, and IV are unchanged this week.
In the mountain states of Idaho and Utah temperatures were in the high 40s to the low 70s, while in the mountain state of Colorado temperatures were in the low 40s to mid 70s. Handlers indicate cow comfort has been good this week and milk production is trending up. Stakeholders note spot loads of milk are more available for buyers recently. Demand for Classes I, III, and IV are strong to steady. Class II demand is steady.
Overall, cream is on the tight side of the fence. However, recently cream has become looser throughout the West region, and spot loads continue to become more available week to week. Cream multiples moved lower on the top of the range for all Classes this week. Condensed skim milk has recently become more available week to week.
