In California, milk production is weaker. Handlers convey daytime temperatures into the 110s and higher evening temperatures this week will likely negatively impact cow comfort and milk production. Handlers note preliminary records indicate June 2024 year-over-year milk production is down. Some stakeholders indicate June 2024 milk production was slightly below anticipated volumes. Spot sales slightly below Class III pricing are reported. Some manufacturers note unplanned downtime has slowed some milk processing in the state. Demands for all Classes are steady.
Milk production in Arizona is trending weaker. All Class demands are steady. Farm level milk output in New Mexico is seasonally weaker. According to the latest milk production report by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the state had 238,000 milk cows in May 2024 compared to 280,000 milk cows in May 2023, and produced 516 million pounds of milk in May 2024 compared to 605 million pounds of milk in May 2023.
Amongst the 24 states listed in the report, New Mexico had the biggest decrease on a percentage basis when comparing May 2024 milk production to May 2023 milk production. All Class manufacturing demands are steady.
Handlers in the Pacific Northwest report farm level milk output is seasonally lighter. However, handlers also report recent milk volumes to be at anticipated figures. Manufacturers convey milk volumes are meeting needs. Class I, II, III, and IV demands are steady.
Milk production in the mountain states varies from steady to weaker. Some spot load sales within the mountain states are reported. However, spot load availability is generally tighter, particularly for Idaho and Utah. Class III demand is stronger. All other Class demands are steady.
Although cream demand and availability differences this week compared to the prior week are mixed, partly due to the annual early July holiday, multiples took a step upward. Condensed skim milk demand varies from strong to steady and availability is in line with recent weeks.
