Check out the latest market report for the week of Dec. 26, 2023.

Weekly market report for the week of Dec. 26, 2023. Data compiled from state and national market sources.

Cattle

Altoona Equity Market: Dec. 21, 2023

FED CATTLE:

Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 145.00 to 164.00.

Choice Dairy X-bred Steers & Heifers: 145.00 to 159.00.

High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 146.00 to 155.00.

Choice Holstein Steers: 138.00 to 145.00.

Select, Unfinished & Heavyweight Steers & Heifers: 137.00 & down.

CULL COWS: Steady

Higher 20% sold for: 89.00 to 100.00.

60% sold for: 61.00 to 88.00.

Lower 20% sold for: 60.00 & down.

CULL BULLS:

Most Bulls: 80.00 to 110.00.

CALVES: Sold by the head.

80% of Holstein Bull Calves 95 lbs. & up: 250.00 to 390.00.

Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 125.00 & down.

Quality Beef Calves: 350.00 to 600.00.

Light & Poor Quality Calves: 250.00 & down

Bonduel Equity Market: Dec. 21, 2023

FED CATTLE: Trending lower

High Yielding Choice Beef 140.00 to 164.50.

High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 140.00 to 150.00.

Choice Holstein Steers: 100.00 to 140.00.

Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 99.00 & down.

CULL COWS: Trending lower

Higher 20% sold for: 80.00 to 97.00.

60% sold for: 65.00 to 80.00.

Lower 20% sold for: 65.00 & down.

CULL BULLS: Steady

Most Bulls: 85.00 to 92.00.

Thin, Full Bulls, over a ton discounted: 85.00 & down.

CALVES: Sold by the pound. Steady

Holstein Bull Calves: 150.00 to 250.00.

Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 30.00 & down.

Quality Beef Calves: 300.00 to 500.00.

Light & Poor Quality Calves: 100.00 & down, heavy discounts on light and poor quality.

FEEDER CATTLE: As of 12/21/23 sale.

Beef steers under 400 lbs: No test.

Beef steers 400-600 lbs: 132.00-184.00.

Beef steers 600-800 lbs: No test.

Beef steers over 800 lbs: 150.00-170.00.

Beef heifers under 400 lbs: No test.

Beef heifers 400-600 lbs: 146.00-150.00.

Beef heifers 600-800 lbs: Up to 152.00.

Beef heifers over 800 lbs: 132.00-150.00.

Holstein steers up to 400 lbs: Up to 150.00.

Holstein steers 400-600 lbs: No test.

Holstein steers 600-800 lbs: No test.

Holstein steers over 800 lbs: No test.

Johnson Creek Equity Market: Dec. 18, 2023

FED CATTLE: Steady

High Yielding Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 150.00 to 165.00.

Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 130.00 to 150.00.

High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 142.00 to 155.00.

Choice Holstein Steers: 130.00 to 148.00.

Select & Unfinished Cattle: 120.00 & down.

CULL COWS: Lower

20% sold for: 88.00 to 93.00.

60% sold for: 65.00 to 80.00.

Lower 20% sold for: 60.00 & down.

CULL BULLS: Steady

Most Bulls: 90.00 to 100.00.

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 600.00.

Light & Poor Quality Calves: 100.00 & down.

Lomira Equity Market: Dec. 22, 2023

FED CATTLE: Steady

High Yielding Choice & Prime Beef Steers & Heifers: 161.00 to 165.00.

Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 152.00 to 160.00.

Select, Low Yielding & Underfinished Beef Steers & Heifers: 146.00 & down.

X-bred Steers & Heifers: 151.00 to 159.00.

High Yielding Choice & Prime Holstein Steers: 147.00 to 153.00.

Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 141.00 to 146.00.

Low Yielding, Select & Underfinished Holstein Steers & Heifers: 100.00-135.00.

MARKET COWS:

High Yielding Cows: 82.00 to 95.00.

Cutters & Utility: 50.00 to 81.00.

Canners & Shells: 25.00-49.00

MARKET BULLS: Steady

High Yielding Bulls: 90.00 to 110.00.

Thin, Light & Over-Conditioned Bulls: 85.00 & down.

CALVES (12/20/23 Auction): Sold by the pound.

Quality Holstein Bull Calves weighing 90-110 lbs: 340.00 to 430.00.

Light Weight Calves: 220.00 to 335.00.

Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 100.00-200.00.

Quality Beef and X-bred Bulls & Heifer Calves: Heifers 300.00-590.00; Bulls 450.00-630.00.

Poor Quality Calves: 200.00 & down

Monroe Equity Market: Dec. 18, 2023

FED CATTLE: Lower

High Yielding Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 163.00-174.00.

Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 150.00-162.50.

Choice Dairy X-bred Steers & Heifers: 140.00-168.00.

High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 144.00-150.50.

Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 130.00-143.50.

Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 129.00 and down.

Wednesday 12/13/23 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: 140.00-145.00.

Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 127.00-139.00.

Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 120.00 and down.

CULL COWS: Lower

High Yielding Cows: 87.00 to 109.00.

Cutters & Utility: 55.00 to 86.50.

Canners & Shells: 54.50 & down.

SLAUGHTER BULLS: Lower

High Yielding Bulls: 90.00 to 110.00.

Thin, Light and Overconditioned Bulls: 89.00 & down.

CALVES: Sold by the pound. Steady

Quality Holstein Bull Calves: 210.00 to 410.00.

Light & Poor Quality Calves: 205.00 & down.

Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 220.00 & down.

Quality Beef & Beef X-bred Calves: bulls 640.00 & down; heifers 540.00 & down.

Reedsville Equity Market: Dec. 21, 2023

FED CATTLE: Steady

High Yielding Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 145.00 to 157.00.

Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 142.00 to 159.00.

High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 137.00 to 150.00.

Choice Holstein Steers: 125.00 to 136.00.

Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 124.00 & down.

CULL COWS: Steady

Higher 20% sold for: 78.00 to 92.00.

60% sold for: 65.00 to 77.00.

Lower 20% sold for: 64.00 & down.

CULL BULLS: Steady

Most Bulls: 95.00-110.00.

CALVES: Softer

Quality Holstein Bull Calves: 280.00-395.00.

Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: Up to 70.00.

Quality Beef Calves: Up to 510.00.

Light & Poor Quality Calves: 40.00 & down.

FEEDER CATTLE: Results 12/14/2023

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. 26, 2023

FED CATTLE:

High Yielding Choice & Prime Beef Steers & Heifers: 148.00-162.00.

Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 135.00 to 147.00.

High Yielding Choice & Prime Holstein Steers & Heifers: 140.00-152.00.

Select & Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 125.00 to 139.00.

Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 125.00 and down.

CULL COWS: Trending much lower

Higher 20% sold for: 80.00 to 100.00.

60% sold for: 55.00 to 79.00.

Lower 20% sold for: 55.00 & down.

Good certified organic cows (for slaughter): 150.00-164.00.

CULL BULLS:

Most Bulls: 90.00 to 107.00.

Thin, Full, Horned Bulls discounted: 90.00 & down.

CALVES, sold by the head:

Good to Top Quality Holstein Bull Calves: 200.00-465.00.

Top Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 75.00 to 120.00.

Plain Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 75.00 & down.

Quality Beef Calves: 350.00 to 665.00.

Light & Poor Quality Calves: 150.00 & down.

FEEDER CATTLE:

Beef Steers: Under 400 lbs: 170.00-250.00; 400 to 600 lbs: 170.00-240.00; 600 to 800 lbs: 160.00-230.00; Over 800 lbs: 140.00-170.00.

Beef Heifers: Under 400 lbs: 185.00-210.00; 400 to 600 lbs: 160.00-200.00; 600 to 800 lbs: 150.00-180.00; Over 800 lbs: 120.00-167.50.

Holstein Steers: Under 400 lbs: 130.00-140.00; 400 to 600 lbs: 130.00-140.00; 600 to 800 lbs: 120.00-140.00; Over 800 lbs: 120.00-140.00.

Milwaukee Stockyards: Dec. 21, 2023

COWS:

No Roll Cows: 80.00 to 90.00.

High Yielding Cutters & Utility: 60.00 to 70.00.

Cutters: 50.00 to 60.00.

Canners & Shells: 50.00 & down.

HOLSTEIN STEERS:

High Choice & Prime Holstein Steers, 1400-1600 lbs: 145.00 to 150.00.

Choice Holstein Steers: 140.00 to 145.00.

Select Steers: 120.00 to 130.00.

Unfinished Holstein Steers: 110.00 & down.

BEEF CATTLE:

Choice & Prime Angus Beef 1250-1600 lbs: 155.00 to 162.00.

Select Beef Steers & Heifers: 130.00 & down.

BULLS:

Premium Beef Bulls 1600-2000 lbs: 80.00 to 90.00.

Common to Good Bulls: 70.00 to 80.00.

REPLACEMENT CALVES:

Premium Bulls 100-120 lbs: 300.00 to 400.00.

Common to Good Bulls 80-100 lbs: 100.00 to 300.00.

Beef Bull Calves: 400.00 to 650.00.

Beef Heifer Calves: 300.00 to 600.00.

Dairy Heifer Calves: 50.00 to 150.00.

Boning Calves: 15.00 & down.

Premier Livestock: Dec. 19, 2023

MARKET COWS: Steady

Selling Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

High Yielding Cows: 82.00 to 100.00.

Most Market Cows: 65.00 to 81.00.

Low Yielding Cows: 64.00 and down.

FED MARKET STEERS AND HEIFERS: Steady

High Choice & Prime Holstein Steers: 140.00 to 153.00.

Low Choice & Select Holstein Steers: 130.00-139.00.

Underfinished & Mixed Grading: 129.00 & down.

MARKET BULLS: Steady

High Yielding Bulls: 90.00 to 109.00.

Plainer Quality Bulls: 89.00 & down.

BABY CALVES: Steady

Most Holstein Bull Calves: 200.00-440.00.

Quality Beef Calves: 300.00 to 640.00.

Holstein Heifer Calves, Single Birth: 10.00-100.00.

Light and off quality calves: 100.00 & down.

Fennimore: Dec. 20, 2023

High Yield Slaughter Cows: .80-0.89/lb; Holstein Bulls & Calves: 95-120 lbs: 350.00-440.00; Light Weight & Poor Calves: 150.00-250.00; Holstein Heifer Calves: 100.00-160.00; Beef X-Bred Calves: 400.00-610.00.

National Cattle Summary: Dec. 22, 2023

For Thursday in the Southern Plains negotiated cash was at a standstill. Last week in the Southern Plains live FOB purchases traded at 170.00. In Nebraska negotiated cash trade was limited on light to moderate demand. Thus far for the week live FOB purchases have traded 1.00-2.00 higher from 170.00-171.00, when compared to last week. A light test was noted. Not enough dressed purchases for a market trend. The last reported dressed delivered market was on Wednesday with purchases at 270.00. In the Western Cornbelt negotiated cash trade was limited on light demand. Not enough purchases for a market trend. Wednesday was the last reported market with live FOB purchases at 170.00 and dressed delivered purchases at 270.00.

Dairy Cattle Summary

Reedsville Equity Market: Dec. 21, 2023

As of 12/07/23

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. 20, 2023

FINISHED CATTLE:

Finished Beef Steers: 160.00-173.50; Mixed Grading: 100.00-159.50.

Finished Beef Heifers: 160.00-173.00; Mixed Grading: 122.00-159.50.

Finished Dairy Steers: 145.00-154.50; Silage Fed, Heavyweight, Select Grade, Lightweight: 115.00-144.00.

MARKET COWS:

Mostly: 70.00-84.00; Thin/shelly/full/overfed cows: 69.00 & down; Market Bulls: 88.00-111.00.

Bred Beef Cows & Heifers: N/A.

Calves: 95-125 lbs: 275.00-370.00; 150-250 lbs: 125.00-175.00; Beef Calves: 350.00-590.00; Lighter, Weaker, Younger Calves: 270.00 & down.

FEEDER CATTLE:

Beef Steers: under 600 lbs: Up to 190.00/cwt; 600-800 lbs: Up to 127.50/cwt; 800-1000 lbs: N/A; Beef Heifers: under 600 lbs: Up to 155.00/cwt; 600-800 lbs: N/A; 800-1000 lbs: Up to 138.00/cwt.

Holstein Steers: under 400 lbs: N/A; 400-600 lbs: Up to 187.50/cwt; 600-800 lbs: N/A; 800-1000 lbs: N/A.

Eastern Corn Belt Direct, Feeder Cattle Summary (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH and KY): Dec. 22, 2023

Compared to last week: Not enough Current FOB trades for a trend. Demand moderate. Supply included: 100% Feeder Cattle (100% Heifers). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 100%. Unless otherwise noted, Feeder Cattle prices FOB based on net weights after a 0% shrink or equivalent, with a 0 cent slide > 600 lbs. Livestock reported this week originated from KY.

Sheep & Lambs

Fennimore: Dec. 20, 2023

Bucks: 0.50-.95/lb. Ewes: 0.50-0.95/lb.; Choice Lambs: 1.50-1.70/lb; Feeding Lambs: 1.50-2.65/lb.

Johnson Creek Equity Market: Dec. 18, 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. 22, 2023

As of 12/16/23: Finished Market Lambs: 150.00-200.00; Lambs: 65 lbs and down: 180.00-270.00; 70 to 100 lbs: 160.00-230.00; Ewes: 70.00-100.00; Bucks: 85.00-110.00.

Monroe Equity Market: Dec. 18, 2023

As of 11/29/23: 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. 26, 2023

As of 12/20/23: Feeder Lambs: .80-1.30; Market Lambs: 1.25-1.30; Cull Ewes: 0.25-.30; Cull Rams: .30-.40.

Central Livestock, Zumbrota, MN: Dec. 26, 2023

Feeder Lambs: 50-70 lbs: No test; 70-90 lbs: No test; Over 90 lbs: No test.

Fed Lambs 120-155 lbs: Shorn: 174.00-193.00; Unshorn: No test.

Utility & Good Ewes: 85.00-97.50; Thin & Cull Ewes: Up to 80.00; Yearling Ewes: No test.

Goats

Fennimore: Dec. 20, 2023

Slaughter Nannies: 1.00-1.15/lb.

Slaughter Billies: N/A.

Slaughter Kids (Dairy): 1.80-2.10/lb

Slaughter Kids (Boer): 2.15-2.80/lb

Johnson Creek Equity Market: Dec. 18, 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. 22, 2023

As of 12/16/2023:

Fed Goats: 170.00 to 225.00.

Dairy Kids: 120.00 to 220.00.

Boer Kids: 190.00 to 300.00.

Cull Goats: 90.00-140.00.

Monroe Equity Market: Dec. 18, 2023

As of 11/29/23: 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. 22, 2023

Compared to last week: Early weaned pigs 2.00 per head higher and feeder pigs steady. Demand moderate for moderate offerings.

Lomira Equity Market: Dec. 22, 2023

Feeder Pigs: 40-60 lbs: Call for availability.

Hogs: Heavy Sows: 41.00-43.00; Light Sows: 38.00-40.00; Boars: 10.00; Butcher Hogs: 40.00-45.00.

Johnson Creek Equity Market: Dec. 18, 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. 26, 2023

Butchers: 57.00-61.00; Sows: 44.00-50.00; Boars: 10.00 and down; Slaughter Pigs: No test; Feeder Pigs, 25-35 lbs: 15.00/head; 45-55 lbs: 27.00/head; 60-70 lbs: No test; 70-80 lbs: 48.00/head; over 85 lbs: No test.

Central Livestock, Zumbrota, MN:Dec. 26, 2023

Feeder Pigs: 50 lbs and under: No test; 50-60 lbs: No test; 60-80lbs: Up to 70.00/hd; 80-100 lbs: Up to 145.00/hd; 100-120 lbs: No test; Over 120 lbs: No test.

Grains

Cargill La Crosse: Dec. 19, 2023

CORN/SOYBEANS

Jan.’24: -------/13.0850

Mar.: 4.7925/13.1500

May: 4.9175/13.2375

July: 5.0125/13.2800

Aug: -------/13.1000

Sept: 5.0350/12.7625

Nov: -------/12.6300

Dec: 5.0950/-------

Jan.’25: ------/12.7000

Mar.’25: 5.2025/12.6350

Eggs

USDA Egg Report: Dec. 26, 2023

Midwest delivered prices are 38 cents higher for Extra Large and Large, 22 cents higher for Medium. Producer prices are 2 cents higher for Large, unchanged for Medium and Small. Demand is mixed, usually moderate to fairly good into retail channels. Offerings light to moderate. Supplies are moderate. Market activity is moderate. All breaking stock prices are steady. The undertone is steady. Demand and offerings are light. Supplies are moderate. Schedules remain varied due to the upcoming Holiday. Market activity is slow.

Extra Large: 2.24-2.26; Large: 2.22-2.24; Medium: 1.90-2.01

Hay

Fennimore: Dec. 18, 2023

Large Square Hay: 185.00-255.00/ton; Lg. Round Dairy Quality Hay: 180.00-270.00/ton; Sm. Square Hay:4.00-4.50/bale; Dry Cow/Beef Cow Hay: 150.00-175.00/ton; Large Square Straw: 50.00/bale.

Lomira Equity Market: Dec. 22, 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. 26, 2023

Sale first and third Tuesday each month (as of 12/19/23):

Large Square grass mix: 70.00-129.00/bale.

Large Square Hay Bales, 2nd and 3rd Crop Alfalfa: 80.00-130.00/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. 27, 2023

Hay, lg. Square: Premium: N/A; Good: 180.00-215.00/ton; Sm. Square: Premium: 6.50/bale; Good: 3.00-4.25/bale; Hay, Lg. Round: Good: 150.00/ton.

Straw, lg. square: Good, 3x3 41.00-63.00/bale; Sm. square: Good: 6.00/bale.

Grass, lg. square: Good: N/A; Lg. round: 150.00/ton.

Reedsville Equity Market: Dec. 27, 2023

High Quality 1st Crop Hay: 140.00190.00/ton; Low Quality Hay: 1.5.00/ton and down; High Quality 2nd & 3rd Crop Hay: 150.00-200.00; Low Quality 2nd & 3rd crop hay: 145.00/ton; High Quality Straw: 100.00-125.00/ton; Low Quality Straw: 80.00/ton.

Dairy

Weekly Animal Feed, Central U.S.: Dec. 21, 2023

Dry whey prices shifted lower on the tops of the range and mostly series, while holding steady on the lower ends of both price series. Dry whey availability is mixed. Some processors report their availability is tight, while brokers have inventories on hand. As milk becomes more available during the holidays, contacts are closely following what the early year will bring in terms of milk availability. High protein blend markets have been firm throughout the last quarter of the year, but early 2024 demand tones have begun to settle according to contacts.

• Prices for Central U.S., All First Sales, FOB, Conventional and Non-Edible Dry Whey Price Range Animal Feed, $/lb: .2600 - .3300.
• Prices for Central U.S., All First Sales, FOB, Extra Grade & Grade A, Conventional and Edible Dry Whey Price Range: Non-Hygroscopic, $/lb: .3700 - .4300; Mostly Range: Non-Hygroscopic, $/lb: .3800- .4150.

Dairy Market Review: Dec. 22, 2023

BUTTER: Grade AA closed at $2.5400. The weekly average for Grade AA is $2.5795 (+0.0825).

CHEESE: Barrels closed at $1.3925 and 40# blocks at $1.3900. The weekly average for barrels is $1.3980 (-0.1030) and blocks, $1.4280 (-0.1460).

CHEESE HIGHLIGHTS: Milk volumes available for cheese manufacturing remain strong in the Northeast. Plant downtime scheduled for end-of-year holidays will slow production in the coming weeks. Cream cheese demand has been strong for holiday baking, and both cheddar and mozzarella demands are steady. In the Central region, milk is available for cheese processing, but not in as strong supply as in years past. Contacts report some below Class spot milk prices, but suggest flat market and above Class prices are also present. Cheese inventories are balanced in the Midwestern states.

BUTTER HIGHLIGHTS: Retail butter demand is mixed, with some stakeholders reporting holiday ordering is largely fulfilled and other stakeholders reporting buyers eagerly seeking to fill remaining holiday needs. Food service demand is solid. Butter manufacturers in the western and central regions indicate cream demand is strong to steady, while contacts in the eastern region report steady to lighter cream demand. Butter makers are running active production schedules utilizing increased spot load availability of cream. Manufacturers in the west region indicate availability of bulk and unsalted butter is somewhat looser.

FLUID MILK HIGHLIGHTS: Farm level milk production is steady to higher across the nation. In the Northeast, milk outputs are higher. Feed quality remains high and has contributed to stronger milk components. Cream is becoming more available in the region, though contacts note demand has softened ahead of end-of-year holidays. Class I demand is lighter as educational institutions close through the end of the year. In the Central region, fluid milk volumes continue to grow. FOB cream multiples for all Classes are 1.00-1.28 in the East, 1.00-1.08 in the Midwest, and 0.80-1.18 in the West.