Cheese Shows Further Weakness
Milk futures are under pressure again. Both cheese and dry whey prices declined, taking Class III futures to double-digit losses. Higher cheese output is requiring manufacturers to move more cheese to keep plant inventories from building.
OUTSIDE MARKETS SUMMARY:
| CORN: | 2 Lower |
| SOYBEANS: | 6 Lower |
| SOYBEAN MEAL: | $1.80 Lower |
| LIVE CATTLE: | $0.85 Higher |
| DOW JONES: | 203 Points Higher |
| NASDAQ: | 10 Points Higher |
| CRUDE OIL: | $1.97 Higher |
MIDDAY MARKET UPDATE:
The block cheese price declined 2 cents, closing at $1.86 with five loads traded. The barrel cheese price slipped 0.50 cent, closing at $1.8550 with no loads traded. The dry whey price declined 0.75 cent, closing at 56.50 with three loads traded. Blocked cheese closed spot trading on an offer. There were two unfilled bids, with one at $1.82 and one at $1.8275. It is a concern that those are the nearest prices buyers were willing to do business. Class III futures are 27 cents lower to 8 cents higher. The butter price increased 2.50 cents, closing at $2.53 with 35 loads traded. There were 32 unfilled bids remaining at the close, with only one uncovered offer. Grade A nonfat dry milk remained unchanged at $1.2650 with no loads traded. Class IV futures are 6 cents lower to 12 cents higher. Butter futures are steady to 2.50 cents higher. Dry whey futures are 0.35 to 0.55 cent lower.
Robin Schmahl can be reached at: rschmahl@agdairy.com