Check out the latest market report for the week of Dec. 05, 2023.
Weekly market report for the week of Dec. 05, 2023. Data compiled from state and national market sources.
Cattle
Altoona Equity Market: Nov. 30, 2023
FED CATTLE:
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 150.00 to 166.00.
Choice Dairy X-bred Steers & Heifers: 150.00 to 165.00.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 155.00 to 163.00.
Choice Holstein Steers: 141.00 to 154.00.
Select, Unfinished & Heavyweight Steers & Heifers: 140.00 & down.
CULL COWS: Steady
Higher 20% sold for: 88.00 to 108.00.
60% sold for: 65.00 to 87.00.
Lower 20% sold for: 64.00 & down.
CULL BULLS:
Most Bulls: 90.00 to 111.00.
CALVES: Sold by the head.
80% of Holstein Bull Calves 95 lbs. & up: 200.00 to 420.00.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 125.00 & down.
Quality Beef Calves: 300.00 to 720.00.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 200.00 & down
Bonduel Equity Market: Dec. 04, 2023
FED CATTLE: Steady.
High Yielding Choice Beef 160.00 to 162.50.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 145.00 to 160.00.
Choice Holstein Steers: 100.00 to 144.00.
Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 99.00 & down.
CULL COWS: Lower
Higher 20% sold for: 95.00 to 105.00.
60% sold for: 75.00 to 95.00.
Lower 20% sold for: 75.00 & down.
CULL BULLS: Steady
Most Bulls: 96.00 to 107.00.
Thin, Full Bulls, over a ton discounted: 95.00 & down.
CALVES: Sold by the pound. Steady
Holstein Bull Calves: 150.00 to 460.00.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 30.00 & down.
Quality Beef Calves: 300.00 to 625.00.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 100.00 & down, heavy discounts on light and poor quality.
FEEDER CATTLE: As of 11/09/23 sale.
Beef steers under 400 lbs: No test.
Beef steers 400-600 lbs: 132.00-188.00.
Beef steers 600-800 lbs: No test.
Beef steers over 800 lbs: No test.
Beef heifers under 400 lbs: No test.
Beef heifers 400-600 lbs: 136.00-160.00.
Beef heifers 600-800 lbs: No test.
Beef heifers over 800 lbs: No test.
Holstein steers up to 400 lbs: No test.
Holstein steers 400-600 lbs: No test.
Holstein steers 600-800 lbs: No test.
Holstein steers over 800 lbs: 107.00-115.00.
Johnson Creek Equity Market: Dec. 04, 2023
FED CATTLE: Lower
High Yielding Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 150.00 to 170.00.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 130.00 to 160.00.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 150.00 to 155.00.
Choice Holstein Steers: 130.00 to 148.00.
Select & Unfinished Cattle: 120.00 & down.
CULL COWS: Lower
20% sold for: 90.00 to 98.00.
60% sold for: 75.00 to 92.00.
Lower 20% sold for: 75.00 & down.
CULL BULLS: Steady
Most Bulls: 90.00 to 110.00.
Thin & Full Bulls, discounted: 80.00 & down.
CALVES, sold by the pound: Steady
60% of Holstein Bull Calves: 270.00 to 340.00.
Quality Dairy Heifer Calves: 80.00 to 140.00.
Quality Beef Calves: 400.00 to 650.00.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 100.00 & down.
Lomira Equity Market: Dec. 04, 2023
FED CATTLE: Steady
High Yielding Choice & Prime Beef Steers & Heifers: 165.00 to 168.00.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 157.00 to 164.00.
Select, Low Yielding & Underfinished Beef Steers & Heifers: 150.00 & down.
X-bred Steers & Heifers: 158.00 to 165.00.
High Yielding Choice & Prime Holstein Steers: 153.00 to 156.00.
Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 148.00 to 152.00.
Low Yielding, Select & Underfinished Holstein Steers & Heifers: 100.00-145.00.
MARKET COWS:
High Yielding Cows: 90.00 to 100.00.
Cutters & Utility: 60.00 to 89.00.
Canners & Shells: 30.00-59.00
MARKET BULLS: Steady
High Yielding Bulls: 95.00 to 115.00.
Thin, Light & Over-Conditioned Bulls: 85.00 & down.
CALVES (11/28/23 Auction): Sold by the pound.
Quality Holstein Bull Calves weighing 90-110 lbs: 300.00 to 400.00.
Light Weight Calves: 200.00 to 300.00.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 100.00-200.00.
Quality Beef and X-bred Bulls & Heifer Calves: Heifers 300.00-620.00; Bulls 470.00-670.00.
Poor Quality Calves: 200.00 & down
Monroe Equity Market: Dec. 04, 2023
FED CATTLE: Lower
High Yielding Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 166.50-177.50.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 155.00-166.00.
Choice Dairy X-bred Steers & Heifers: 140.00-172.00.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 148.00-160.00.
Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 130.00-147.50.
Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 129.00 and down.
Wednesday 11/29/23 Sale:
High Yielding Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: No test.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: No test.
Choice Dairy X-bred Steers & Heifers: No test.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: No test.
Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 130.00-150.00.
Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 129.00 and down.
CULL COWS: Steady/Lower
High Yielding Cows: 90.00 to 111.00.
Cutters & Utility: 60.00 to 89.50.
Canners & Shells: 59.50 & down.
SLAUGHTER BULLS: Steady
High Yielding Bulls: 100.00 to 115.50.
Thin, Light and Overconditioned Bulls: 99.00 & down.
CALVES:Sold by the pound. Steady
Quality Holstein Bull Calves: 200.00 to 400.00.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 195.00 & down.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 195.00 & down.
Quality Beef & Beef X-bred Calves: bulls 680.00 & down; heifers 650.00 & down.
Reedsville Equity Market: Nov. 30, 2023
FED CATTLE: Softer
High Yielding Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 155.00 to 165.00.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 142.00 to 159.00.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 150.00 to 160.00.
Choice Holstein Steers: 135.00 to 149.00.
Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 134.00 & down.
CULL COWS: Softer
Higher 20% sold for: 92.00 to 105.00.
60% sold for: 75.00 to 89.00.
Lower 20% sold for: 74.00 & down.
CULL BULLS: Steady
Most Bulls: 95.00-110.00.
CALVES: Weak
Quality Holstein Bull Calves: 150.00-290.00.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: Up to 70.00.
Quality Beef Calves: Up to 460.00.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 40.00 & down.
FEEDER CATTLE: Results 11/30/2023
Holstein steers under 400 lbs: 130.00 to 170.00.
Holstein steers 400 to 600 lbs: 100.00 to 160.00.
Holstein steers 600 to 800 lbs: 100.00 to 150.00.
Holstein steers over 800 lbs: 90.00 to 150.00.
Stratford Equity Market: Dec. 05, 2023
FED CATTLE:
High Yielding Choice & Prime Beef Steers & Heifers: 160.00-168.00.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 150.00 to 160.00.
High Yielding Choice & Prime Holstein Steers & Heifers: 155.00-162.00.
Select & Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 140.00 to 154.00.
Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 140.00 and down.
CULL COWS: Lower
Higher 20% sold for: 90.00 to 110.00.
60% sold for: 65.00 to 89.00.
Lower 20% sold for: 65.00 & down.
Good certified organic cows (for slaughter): 140.00-149.50.
CULL BULLS:
Most Bulls: 100.00 to 115.00.
Thin, Full, Horned Bulls discounted: 100.00 & down.
CALVES, sold by the head:
Good to Top Quality Holstein Bull Calves: 250.00-450.00.
Top Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 75.00 to 120.00.
Plain Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 75.00 & down.
Quality Beef Calves: 400.00 to 650.00.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 150.00 & down.
FEEDER CATTLE:
Beef Steers: Under 400 lbs: 170.00-235.00; 400 to 600 lbs: 170.00-235.00; 600 to 800 lbs: 160.00-225.00; Over 800 lbs: 140.00-190.00.
Beef Heifers: Under 400 lbs: 185.00-230.00; 400 to 600 lbs: 160.00-180.00; 600 to 800 lbs: 150.00-190.00; Over 800 lbs: 120.00-170.00.
Holstein Steers: Under 400 lbs: 130.00-162.50; 400 to 600 lbs: 130.00-162.50; 600 to 800 lbs: 120.00-162.50; Over 800 lbs: 120.00-162.50.
Milwaukee Stockyards: Dec. 04, 2023
COWS:
No Roll Cows: 90.00 to 100.00.
High Yielding Cutters & Utility: 65.00 to 80.00.
Cutters: 55.00 to 65.00.
Canners & Shells: 55.00 & down.
HOLSTEIN STEERS:
High Choice & Prime Holstein Steers, 1400-1600 lbs: 150.00 to 155.00.
Choice Holstein Steers: 145.00 to 150.00.
Select Steers: 120.00 to 130.00.
Unfinished Holstein Steers: 110.00 & down.
BEEF CATTLE:
Choice & Prime Angus Beef 1250-1600 lbs: 160.00 to 163.00.
Select Beef Steers & Heifers: 140.00 & down.
BULLS:
Premium Beef Bulls 1600-2000 lbs: 95.00 to 100.00.
Common to Good Bulls: 85.00 to 95.00.
REPLACEMENT CALVES:
Premium Bulls 100-120 lbs: 300.00 to 375.00.
Common to Good Bulls 80-100 lbs: 100.00 to 300.00.
Beef Bull Calves: 400.00 to 675.00.
Beef Heifer Calves: 300.00 to 625.00.
Dairy Heifer Calves: 50.00 to 150.00.
Boning Calves: 15.00 & down.
Premier Livestock: Dec. 04, 2023
MARKET COWS: Lower
Selling Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
High Yielding Cows: 86.00 to 110.00.
Most Market Cows: 65.00 to 85.00.
Low Yielding Cows: 64.00 and down.
FED MARKET STEERS AND HEIFERS: Lower
High Choice & Prime Holstein Steers: 142.00 to 158.00.
Low Choice & Select Holstein Steers: 133.00-141.00.
Underfinished & Mixed Grading: 131.00 & down.
MARKET BULLS: Lower
High Yielding Bulls: 100.00 to 116.00.
Plainer Quality Bulls: 99.00 & down.
BABY CALVES: Steady
Most Holstein Bull Calves: 200.00-400.00.
Quality Beef Calves: 350.00 to 660.00.
Holstein Heifer Calves, Single Birth: 10.00-100.00.
Light and off quality calves: 100.00 & down.
Fennimore: Nov. 29, 2023
High Yield Slaughter Cows: .76-0.99/lb; Holstein Bulls & Calves: 95-120 lbs: 250.00-380.00; Light Weight & Poor Calves: 100.00-235.00; Holstein Heifer Calves: 160.00-170.00; Beef X-Bred Calves: 500.00-670.00.
National Cattle Summary: Dec. 04, 2023
For Monday in Kansas negotiated cash trade was slow on light demand. Compared to last week early live FOB purchases traded mostly 3.00-4.00 lower mostly at 171.00. In the Texas Panhandle and Nebraska negotiated cash trade has been at a standstill. Last week in the Texas Panhandle and Nebraska live FOB purchases traded from 174.00-175.00. Last week in Nebraska dressed delivered purchases traded at 275.00. In the Western Cornbelt negotiated cash trade was mostly inactive on light demand. Last week in the Western Cornbelt live FOB purchases traded from 173.00-175.00 and dressed purchases from 274.00-275.00.
Dairy Cattle Summary
Reedsville Equity Market: Nov. 30, 2023
As of 11/09/23
Top Quality Springing Holstein Heifers: 1200.00 to 1800.00.
Plainer Quality Springing Holstein Heifers: 1150.00 & down.
Good Quality Shortbred Heifers: 700.00 to 1300.00.
Good Quality Springing & Recently Fresh Cows: 1100.00 to 1800.00.
Good Bred Back Milking Cows: 1100.00 to 1600.00.
Plain Quality & Common Cows: 500.00 to 1050.00.
Dehorned & Vaccinated Open Heifers, 350-550 lbs: 90.00 to 130.00/lb.
Dehorned & Vaccinated Open Heifers, 550-750 lbs: 90.00 to 120.00/lb.
Dehorned & Vaccinated Open Heifers, 750-950 lbs: 90.00 to 120.00/lb.
Central Livestock, Zumbrota, MN: Dec. 04, 2023
FINISHED CATTLE:
Finished Beef Steers: 164.00-180.00; Mixed Grading: 103.00-163.00.
Finished Beef Heifers: 164.00-174.50; Mixed Grading: 100.00-163.00.
Finished Dairy Steers: 150.00-165.50; Silage Fed, Heavyweight, Select Grade, Lightweight: 110.00-149.50.
MARKET COWS:
Mostly: 70.00-94.00; Thin/shelly/full/overfed cows: 69.00 & down; Market Bulls: 84.00-117.50.
Bred Beef Cows & Heifers: N/A.
Calves: 95-125 lbs: 200.00-275.00; 150-250 lbs: Up to 175.00; Beef Calves: 280.00-480.00; Lighter, Weaker, Younger Calves: 195.00 & down.
FEEDER CATTLE:
Beef Steers: under 600 lbs: Up to 180.00/cwt; 600-800 lbs: Up to 155.00/cwt; 800-1000 lbs: Up to 143.00/cwt; Beef Heifers: under 600 lbs: Up to 170.00/cwt; 600-800 lbs: Up to 137.00/cwt; 800-1000 lbs: N/A.
Holstein Steers: under 400 lbs: N/A; 400-600 lbs: Up to 150.00; 600-800 lbs: N/A; 800-1000 lbs: Up to 139.00.
Eastern Corn Belt Direct, Feeder Cattle Summary: Dec. 01, 2023
Compared to last week: No Current FOB trades last week for a trend. Demand moderate. Supply included: 100% Feeder Cattle (94.7% Heifers, 5.3% Dairy Heifers). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 100%. Unless otherwise noted, Feeder Cattle prices FOB based on net weights after a 2-3% shrink or equivalent, with up to a 15 cent slide > 600 lbs. Livestock reported this week originated from IL, IN, KY.
Sheep & Lambs
Fennimore: Nov. 29, 2023
Bucks: 0.80-0.97/lb. Ewes: 0.65-0.85/lb.; Choice Lambs: 1.60-1.90/lb; Feeding Lambs: 1.80-2.40/lb.
Johnson Creek Equity Market: Dec. 04, 2023
Lambs: 100 lbs and up: 120.00-165.00; 100 lbs and down: 110.00-150.00; Ewes: 40.00-70.00; Bucks: 40.00-70.00.
Lomira Equity Market: Dec. 04, 2023
As of 11/25/23: Finished Market Lambs: 150.00-210.00; Lambs: 65 lbs and down: 160.00-240.00; 70 to 100 lbs: 160.00-200.00; Ewes: 70.00-100.00; Bucks: 85.00-120.00.
Monroe Equity Market: Dec. 04, 2023
As of 10/25/23: Finished Market Lambs: 1.50-2.05; Feeder Lambs: 1.50-2.20/lb.; Cull Ewes: .70-1.20; Cull Rams: .90-1.15/lb.
Stratford Equity Market: Dec. 05, 2023
As of 11/29/23: Feeder Lambs: .90-1.00; Market Lambs: 1.25-1.30; Cull Ewes: 0.25-.30; Cull Rams: .50-1.05.
Central Livestock, Zumbrota, MN: Nov. 28, 2023
Feeder Lambs: 50-70 lbs: 75.00-240.00; 70-90 lbs: 170.00-230.00; Over 90 lbs: 157.50-195.00.
Fed Lambs 120-155 lbs: 157.50-190.00.
Utility & Good Ewes: 75.00-1100.00; Thin & Cull Ewes: 70.00 & down; Yearling Ewes: N/A
Goats
Fennimore: Nov. 29, 2023
Slaughter Nannies: 1.00-1.30/lb.
Slaughter Billies: 1.30/2.25/lb.
Slaughter Kids (Dairy): 1.55-2.40/lb
Slaughter Kids (Boer): 2.10-3.00/lb
Johnson Creek Equity Market: Dec. 04, 2023
Young Goats 80 lbs & up: 150.00 & down
Young Goats 60-80 lbs: 150.00 & down.
Young Goats under 60 lbs: 150.00 & down.
Cull Goats: 100.00 & down.
Lomira Equity Market: Dec. 04, 2023
As of 11/25/2023:
Fed Goats: 170.00 to 225.00.
Dairy Kids: 120.00 to 220.00.
Boer Kids: 190.00 to 285.00.
Cull Goats: 90.00-160.00.
Monroe Equity Market: Dec. 04, 2023
As of 10/29/23: Goats sell by the head.
Dairy Goats 40-80 lbs: 40.00-60.00.
Meat Goats 40-80 lbs: No test.
Meat Goats over 80 lbs: 2.20 & down
Cull Nannies & Billies: 1.30 & down.
Hogs
USDA Hog Report: Dec. 01, 2023
Compared to last week: Early weaned pigs and feeder pigs are steady. Demand moderate for moderate offerings.
Lomira Equity Market: Dec. 04, 2023
Feeder Pigs: 40-60 lbs: Call for availability.
Hogs: Heavy Sows: 45.00-49.00; Light Sows: 41.00-44.00; Boars: 10.00; Butcher Hogs: 54.00-60.00.
Johnson Creek Equity Market: Dec. 04, 2023
Butchers hogs 250# up: 30.00-65.00; 170#-249#: 30.00-72.00; Light Sows: 20.00-42.00; Heavy Sows: 20.00-42.00; Boars: 8.00-14.00; Feeder Pigs: 5.00-40.00.
Stratford Equity Market: Dec. 05, 2023
Butchers: 57.00-61.00; Sows: 55.00-59.00; Boars: 7.00 and down; Slaughter Pigs: No test; Feeder Pigs, 25-35 lbs: 20.00-25.00/head; 45-55 lbs: 22.00-30.00; 60-70 lbs: No test; 70-80 lbs: No test; over 85 lbs: 52.00/head.
Central Livestock, Zumbrota, MN: Nov. 28, 2023
Feeder Pigs: 50 lbs and under:10.00-45.00/hd; 50-60 lbs: 60.00/hd; 60-80lbs: 15.00-110.00/hd; 80-100 lbs: N/A; 100-120 lbs: 135.00-180.00/hd.
Grains
Cargill La Crosse: Dec. 05, 2023
CORN/SOYBEANS
Dec: 4.6650/-------
Jan.’24: -------/12.9525
Mar.’24: 4.8700/13.1600
May: 4.9850/13.3225
July: 5.0675/13.4050
Aug: -------/13.2075
Sept: 5.0725/12.8075
Nov: -------/12.6500
Dec: 5.1275/-------
Eggs
USDA Hog Report: Dec. 05, 2023
Midwest delivered prices are steady. Producer prices are 10 cents lower for Large and Medium, unchanged for Small. The undertone is weak. Demand ranges light to fairly good. Offerings are light to moderate. Supplies are moderate. The Midwest shell egg inventory increased 12.4% compared to a week ago. Market activity is slow to moderate. All breaking stock prices are steady. The undertone is steady. Demand is light to moderate. Offerings are light. Supplies are light to moderate. Schedules are full-time. Market activity is slow to moderate.
Extra Large: 2.02-2.04; Large: 2.00-2.02; Medium: 1.93-1.95
Hay
**Fennimore: Nov. 13, 2023
Large Square Hay: 165.00-225.00/ton; Lg. Round Dairy Quality Hay: 150.00-180.00/ton; Sm. Square Hay:4.00-5.00/bale; Dry Cow/Beef Cow Hay: 100.00-140.00/ton; Large Square Straw: 50.00/bale.
Lomira Equity Market: Dec. 04, 2023
Every Friday at noon:
Small Squares Hay: 2.00-5.00/bale; Large Squares Hay Alfalfa: 80.00-100.00/bale; Large Squares Mix: 45.00-70.00/bale; Large Square Grass: 40.00-70.00/bale; Large Rounds Alfalfa Quality: 60.00-80.00/bale; Large Rounds Mix: 50.00-70.00/bale; Large Rounds Grass: 30.00-60.00/bale; Small Wheat Straw: 1.00-2.00/bale.
Stratford Equity Market: Dec. 05, 2023
Sale first and third Tuesday each month (as of 11/28/23):
Large Square grass mix: 70.00-110.00/bale.
Large Square Hay Bales, 2nd and 3rd Crop Alfalfa: 80.00-120.00/bale.
Large Square Bales, Rye Straw: 40.00-45.00/bale.
Sm. Round Bales, Grass: 55.00-70.00/bale.
Alfalfa Rounds, 2nd & 3rd Crop: 55.00-65.00/bale.
Small Square Straw Bales: 3.00-3.25/bale.
Small Square Hay Bales: 3.25-3.75/bale.
Tim Slack Auction & Realty: Hay & Bedding Report: Dec. 06, 2023
Hay, lg. Square: Premium: 230.00-270.00/ton; Good: 195.00-215.00/ton; Sm. Square: N/A; Hay, Lg. Round, 125.00-165.00/ton (wrapped).
Straw, lg. square: Good, 3x3 44.00-61.00/bale; Sm. square: Good: N/A.
Grass, lg. square: Good: 160.00-200.00/ton; Lg. round: 145.00/ton.
Reedsville Equity Market: Dec. 06, 2023
High Quality 1st Crop Hay: 150.00-230.00/ton; Low Quality Hay: 145.00/ton and down; High Quality 2nd & 3rd Crop Hay: 170.00-250.00; Low Quality 2nd & 3rd Crop Hay: 165.00/ton; High Quality Straw: 90.00-120.00/ton; Low Quality Straw: 80.00/ton.
Dairy
Weekly Animal Feed, Central U.S.: Nov. 30, 2023
Dry whey prices edged higher on the top of the range and low end of the mostly series. Animal feed whey prices moved higher on the top of the range. Balanced milk supplies, even over the holiday weekend, bode well for potential dry whey markets. Last year, there were holiday-related milk disposal scenarios at play and spot milk availability (into cheese plants) continued to add on following the Thanksgiving week. This year, milk prices sprung right back to previous week's rates, and a number of whey processors say milk offers quieted quickly. Sellers are offering loads at $.45+ per pound, while end users are resistant at those rates.
- Prices for Central U.S., All First Sales, FOB, Conventional and Non-Edible Dry Whey Price Range Animal Feed, $/lb: .2400 - .3200.
- Prices for Central U.S., All First Sales, FOB, Extra Grade & Grade A, Conventional and Edible Dry Whey Price Range: Non-Hygroscopic, $/lb: .3500 - .4300; Mostly Range: Non-Hygroscopic, $/lb: .3800- .4100.
Dairy Market Review: Dec. 01, 2023
BUTTER: Grade AA closed at $2.6550. The weekly average for Grade AA is $2.6000 (+0.0842).
CHEESE: Barrels closed at $1.5200 and 40# blocks at $1.5200. The weekly average for barrels is $1.4825 (+0.0008) and blocks, $1.5740 (-0.0193).
CHEESE HIGHLIGHTS: Milk volumes available for cheese processing are ample in the East. In the Central region, milk prices have bounced back from the Thanksgiving week, ranging from flat to $1 over Class. Cheese demand is holding a steady pattern, and contacts share surplus loads of cheddar are generally spoken for. Barrel quantities have increased. In the West, Class III demand is steady to stronger for cheese processing. Spot milk availability ranges from strong to abundant, though some plant managers relay cheese production schedules are below capacity.
BUTTER HIGHLIGHTS: Cream volumes are reported to be tighter in the eastern region compared to the central or western regions. Cream is indicated to be widely available in the central region, while processors in the southern part of the eastern region indicate not quite tight but not ample cream volumes. Butter production was mixed during the recent holiday weekend with some butter makers running busy production schedules and others slotting in some downtime. Domestic demand is mostly steady. Bulk butter overages range from 3 to 10 cents above market, across all regions.
FLUID MILK HIGHLIGHTS: Farm level milk outputs are strengthening across most regions, the exception being a slight downward tendency present in the mountain states. Cream is readily available in the Northeast, and Class II and Class III demand is solid throughout the eastern states. Cow comfort conditions continue to improve in the Midwest. Contacts share that feed quality and quantity is high. Milkfat and milkfat-per-cow numbers indicate ideal cow comfort conditions. Spot milk prices bounded back from the Thanksgiving week sub-Class price levels to reach flat market to $1 over Class. Cream supplies are looser for most of the western states, and spot loads are said to be more available than in recent weeks. FOB cream multiples for all Classes are 1.00-1.28 in the East, 1.16-1.25 in the Midwest, and 1.05-1.32 in the West.