Milk production in California continues to trend seasonally higher. However, processors say week-to-week increases have been weaker recently. Stakeholders note balancing plants are running busier processing schedules. Class I demand is noted as lighter with spring breaks at educational institutions approaching. Demands for all other Classes are strong to steady. According to the California Department of Water Resources, as of February 28, 2024, water year 2023-24 statewide snowpack totals were at 80 percent of normal.
In Arizona, farm level milk output is steady. However, some handlers say fat components of milk output have strengthened. Demands for all Classes are unchanged.
Milk production in New Mexico is steady. Stakeholders say spot load availability of milk volumes is tighter. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, total milking cows for January 2024 was 240,000 compared to 282,000 for January 2023, and January 2024 had a decrease of 10,000 milking cows compared to December 2023. All Class demands are steady to strong.
Farm level milk output in the Pacific Northwest is weaker recently. Some handlers say current year-over-year milk production comparisons are down. Demands from all Class manufacturers are strong to steady.
In the mountain states of Idaho, Utah, and Colorado, milk production is noted as slightly higher to slightly weaker. Spot load sales up to $4 above Class III in some parts of the mountain states are indicated by processors. Stakeholders say spot loads are tighter in some parts of the mountain states. Demands from manufacturers are strong to steady for all Classes.
Cream is readily available throughout most of the region. Stakeholders note cream demand as steady to strengthening. Cream multiples moved lower on the bottom end of the All Classes range and held firm on the top end of the All Classes range. Condensed skim milk spot load availability is looser. Condensed skim milk demand is unchanged.
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