Fluid Milk and Cream - Western U.S. Report 5

In California, milk production is stronger. Some handlers note preliminary records indicate January 2024 milk production is up from December 2023 and above January 2023. Manufacturers relay good balance between milk volumes and processing capacities. Processors relay some planned downtime for maintenance. Demands for all Classes are strong to steady. According to the California Department of Water Resources, as of January 30, 2024, the state has gotten 9.79 inches of precipitation for the current 2023-24 Water Year, down 2.41 inches from the historical mean. 

In Arizona, handlers indicate farm level milk output is steady to slightly lower. That said, milk volumes are meeting the needs of manufacturers. Class I and IV demands are strong to steady. Class II and III demands are steady. 

Handlers note milk production is steady to slightly lower in New Mexico. However, milk volumes are meeting the needs of processors. Stakeholders indicate precipitation and snowfall totals remain below average levels. All Classes have strong to steady demand. 

In the Pacific Northwest, farm level milk output is steady to stronger. Stakeholders relay milk volumes are currently more balanced with processors' needs compared to recent prior weeks with weather-related disruptions. Demands for all Classes are unchanged. 

A few stakeholders say daytime temperatures have set new records in parts of Idaho recently. In the Mountain states, farm level milk output is mixed. Handlers note steady to slightly stronger milk production in Idaho and Utah and steady to slightly lower milk production in Colorado. Some processors indicate fat components have increased  and protein components have decreased in current milk volumes from the dairies. Spot loads are available for buyers. Class demands are strong to steady. 

Although cream is readily available throughout the region, stakeholders say seller offerings are slightly lighter for a few parts of the West. Cream demand is mixed. Multiples moved down across all facets of both ranges. Condensed skim milk spot load demand is mixed.