In California, signs that spring has arrived on time, or even ahead of schedule, continue to be relayed from contacts regarding seasonal milk production. Year-over-year, milk output numbers reported remain under those from 2024, but monthly output levels are increasing notably in some cases. Locationally speaking, milk availability ranges from somewhat open to tight. Despite milk output variances, there is a consensus on milkfat and protein levels from contacts in The Golden State, and that is they remain robust, most notably regarding milkfat. In fact, contacts throughout the West are sharing similar sentiment regarding milkfat levels. Plant downtime continues to keep milk haulers managing longer than usual wait times for unloading, according to some contacts. Cream availability, regardless of location within the Central Valley and other areas of the state, remains wide open. There was an increase on the bottom of the multiple range this week, but contacts say customers are unlikely to take on extra loads at the current time.
In Arizona, farm milk output is growing due to mild seasonal weather patterns. Class I demand remains mixed, as more school districts have returned from their spring breaks.
Pacific Northwest has been in a somewhat steady pattern regarding milk output, with fewer peaks and valleys than other parts of the West, namely California.
In the mountain states of Idaho, Utah, and Colorado, milk output levels are generally following similar spring trends as they are elsewhere.
Cream levels continue to be noted as widely available throughout the mountain states, particularly Idaho. Condensed skim needs are being met. Some contacts share that condensed skim prices have been more variant this late winter. Plant downtime continues to play a role in keeping suppliers busy with readjusting schedules and routing.
