Check out the latest market report for the week of Jan. 02, 2024.
Weekly market report for the week of Jan. 02, 2024. Data compiled from state and national market sources.
Cattle
Altoona Equity Market: Dec. 28, 2023
FED CATTLE:
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 145.00 to 160.00.
Choice Dairy X-bred Steers & Heifers: 145.00 to 159.00.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 151.00 to 155.00.
Choice Holstein Steers: 144.00 to 150.00.
Select, Unfinished & Heavyweight Steers & Heifers: 143.00 & down.
CULL COWS:
Higher 20% sold for: 96.00 to 110.00.
60% sold for: 71.00 to 95.00.
Lower 20% sold for: 70.00 & down.
CULL BULLS:
Most Bulls: 80.00 to 110.00.
CALVES: Sold by the head.
80% of Holstein Bull Calves 95 lbs. & up: 225.00 to 380.00.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 125.00 & down.
Quality Beef Calves: 275.00 to 585.00.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 225.00 & down
Bonduel Equity Market: Dec. 28, 2023
FED CATTLE: Trending lower
High Yielding Choice Beef 140.00 to 160.00.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 140.00 to 156.00.
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 98.00.
60% sold for: 65.00 to 80.00.
Lower 20% sold for: 65.00 & down.
CULL BULLS: Steady
Most Bulls: 85.00 to 102.00.
Thin, Full Bulls, over a ton discounted: 85.00 & down.
CALVES: Sold by the pound. Steady
Holstein Bull Calves: 150.00 to 385.00.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 30.00 & down.
Quality Beef Calves: 300.00 to 580.00.
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. 28, 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: Steady
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. 27, 2023
FED CATTLE: Steady
High Yielding Choice & Prime Beef Steers & Heifers: 159.00 to 165.00.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 152.00 to 158.00.
Select, Low Yielding & Underfinished Beef Steers & Heifers: 146.00 & down.
X-bred Steers & Heifers: 153.00 to 160.00.
High Yielding Choice & Prime Holstein Steers: 149.00 to 155.00.
Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 141.00 to 148.00.
Low Yielding, Select & Underfinished Holstein Steers & Heifers: 100.00-139.00.
MARKET COWS:
High Yielding Cows: 86.00 to 97.00.
Cutters & Utility: 55.00 to 85.00.
Canners & Shells: 25.00-54.00
MARKET BULLS: Steady
High Yielding Bulls: 90.00 to 110.00.
Thin, Light & Over-Conditioned Bulls: 85.00 & down.
CALVES (12/26/23 Auction): Sold by the pound.
Quality Holstein Bull Calves weighing 90-110 lbs: 340.00 to 420.00.
Light Weight Calves: 220.00 to 340.00.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 100.00-200.00.
Quality Beef and X-bred Bulls & Heifer Calves: Heifers 300.00-520.00; Bulls 430.00-600.00.
Poor Quality Calves: 200.00 & down
Monroe Equity Market: Jan. 1, 2023
FED CATTLE: Stronger
High Yielding Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 167.00-176.50.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 155.00-166.50.
Choice Dairy X-bred Steers & Heifers: 150.00-171.00.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 148.00-158.00.
Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 140.00-147.50.
Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 130.00 and down.
Wednesday 12/27/23 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: 130.00-143.00.
Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 129.00 and down.
CULL COWS: Steady
High Yielding Cows: 78.00 to 99.50.
Cutters & Utility: 62.00 to 77.50.
Canners & Shells: 60.00 & down.
SLAUGHTER BULLS: Steady
High Yielding Bulls: 105.00 to 115.00.
Thin, Light and Overconditioned Bulls: 100.00 & down.
CALVES:Sold by the pound. Steady
Quality Holstein Bull Calves: 200.00 to 390.00.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 195.00 & down.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 230.00 & down.
Quality Beef & Beef X-bred Calves: bulls 615.00 & down; heifers 530.00 & down.
Reedsville Equity Market: Dec. 28, 2023
FED CATTLE: Steady
High Yielding Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 145.00 to 162.00.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 142.00 to 159.00.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 137.00 to 151.00.
Choice Holstein Steers: 125.00 to 136.00.
Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 124.00 & down.
CULL COWS: Steady
Higher 20% sold for: 82.00 to 95.00.
60% sold for: 65.00 to 81.00.
Lower 20% sold for: 64.00 & down.
CULL BULLS: Steady
Most Bulls: 95.00-110.00.
CALVES: Steady
Quality Holstein Bull Calves: 280.00-385.00.
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 12/28/2023
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: Jan. 2, 2023
FED CATTLE:
High Yielding Choice & Prime Beef Steers & Heifers: 148.00-160.00.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 135.00 to 147.00.
High Yielding Choice & Prime Holstein Steers & Heifers: 140.00-150.50.
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 97.50.
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: 200.00-390.00.
Top Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 50.00 to 80.00.
Plain Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 50.00 & down.
Quality Beef Calves: 350.00 to 610.00.
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. 28, 2023
COWS:
No Roll Cows: 80.00 to 95.00.
High Yielding Cutters & Utility: 65.00 to 80.00.
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 640.00.
Dairy Heifer Calves: 50.00 to 150.00.
Boning Calves: 15.00 & down.
Premier Livestock
Dec. 26, 2023
MARKET COWS: Stronger
Selling Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
High Yielding Cows: 92.00 to 112.00.
Most Market Cows: 75.00 to 91.00.
Low Yielding Cows: 74.00 and down.
FED MARKET STEERS AND HEIFERS: Steady/Stronger
High Choice & Prime Holstein Steers: 145.00 to 159.00.
Low Choice & Select Holstein Steers: 134.00-144.00.
Underfinished & Mixed Grading: 146.00 & down.
MARKET BULLS: Steady/Stronger
High Yielding Bulls: 90.00 to 110.00.
Plainer Quality Bulls: 89.00 & down.
BABY CALVES: Steady
Most Holstein Bull Calves: 225.00-400.00.
Quality Beef Calves: 350.00 to 610.00.
Holstein Heifer Calves, Single Birth: 10.00-125.00.
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. 28, 2023
For Thursday in all trading region negotiated cash was moderate on trade and demand. Compared to last week in the Texas Panhandle live FOB purchases traded 1.00 higher at 172.00. Compared to last week in Kansas live FOB purchases traded 1.00-2.00 higher at 172.00. Compared to last week in Nebraska live FOB purchases traded 1.00 higher from 172.00-173.00. Compared to last week dressed delivered purchases traded 3.00 higher at 273.00. Compared to last week in the Western Cornbelt live FOB purchases traded mostly 2.00 higher at 172.00, with a few purchases up to 173.00. Compared to last week dressed delivered purchases traded 3.00 higher at 273.00, on a light test.
Dairy Cattle Summary
Reedsville Equity Market: Dec. 28, 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. 27, 2023
FINISHED CATTLE:
Finished Beef Steers: 164.50-170.00; Mixed Grading: 142.00-164.00.
Finished Beef Heifers: 164.50-175.00; Mixed Grading: 142.00-164.00.
Finished Dairy Steers: 150.00-164.00; Silage Fed, Heavyweight, Select Grade, Lightweight: 110.00-149.00.
MARKET COWS:
Mostly: 65.00-84.00; Thin/shelly/full/overfed cows: 64.00 & down; Market Bulls: 100.00-105.00.
Bred Beef Cows & Heifers: N/A.
Calves: 95-125 lbs: 340.00-440.00; 150-250 lbs: N/A; Beef Calves: 425.00-520.00; Lighter, Weaker, Younger Calves: 335.00 & 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. 28, 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. 28, 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: Jan. 1, 2023
As of 12/27/23: Finished Market Lambs: 1.90-2.60; Feeder Lambs: 1.90-2.60/lb.; Cull Ewes: No test; Cull Rams: 1.10-1.15/lb.
Stratford Equity Market: Jan. 2, 2023
As of 12/27/23: Feeder Lambs: .80-1.30; Market Lambs: 1.25-1.45; 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. 28, 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. 28, 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: Jan. 1, 2023
As of 12/27/23: Goats sell by the head.
Dairy Goats 40-80 lbs: 100.00-150.00.
Meat Goats 40-80 lbs: No test.
Meat Goats over 80 lbs: 2.45 & down
Cull Nannies & Billies: 2.30 & down.
Hogs
USDA Hog Report: Dec. 29, 2023
Compared to last week: Early weaned pigs are steady and feeder pigs are steady to 1.00 lower. Demand is light for moderate offerings.
Lomira Equity Market: Dec. 28, 2023
Feeder Pigs: 40-60 lbs: Call for availability.
Hogs: Heavy Sows: 25.00-27.00; Light Sows: 20.00-24.00; Boars: 10.00; Butcher Hogs: 40.00-45.00.
Johnson Creek Equity Market: Dec. 28, 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: Jan. 2, 2023
Butchers: 57.00-61.00; Sows: 40.00-44.00; 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: Jan. 2, 2023
CORN/SOYBEANS
Jan.’24: -------/12.7500
Mar.: 4.6300/12.7325
May: 4.7625/12.8050
July: 4.8675/12.8625
Aug: -------/12.6925
Sept: 4.9050/12.3525
Nov: -------/12.2075
Dec: 4.9750/-------
Jan.’25: ------/12.2875
Mar.’25: 5.0800/12.2825
Eggs
USDA Egg Report: Jan. 2, 2023
Midwest delivered prices are 2 cents higher for Extra Large and Large, unchanged for Medium. Producer prices are unchanged. The undertone is steady. Demand is moderate to at times good. Offerings are light to moderate. Supplies are moderate. Market activity is moderate. All breaking stock prices are steady. The undertone is steady. Demand is mostly light. Offerings are light. Supplies are moderate. Schedules return to normal following the New Year's Holiday. Market activity is slow.
Extra Large: 2.26-2.28; Large: 2.24-2.26; Medium: 1.99-2.01
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. 28, 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: Jan. 2, 2023
Sale first and third Tuesday each month (as of 12/26/23):
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. 28, 2023
Dry whey trading activity was quiet this week, as prices went unchanged. Processors and end users are setting their sights on early 2024. Market tones have caught some slightly bullish traction in recent weeks, as availability has held somewhat snug in the region. High protein blends, such as WPC 80% and whey protein isolate, are garnering more attention from end users and processors in recent months, and processing has shifted into those varieties. Animal feed whey trading was quiet, and prices are holding steady. Contacts' viewpoints are mixed on market tones.
- 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 - .4200; Mostly Range: Non-Hygroscopic, $/lb: .3800- .4150.
Dairy Market Review: Dec. 29, 2023
BUTTER: Grade AA closed at $2.6650. The weekly average for Grade AA is $2.6225 (+0.0430).
CHEESE: Barrels closed at $1.4000 and 40# blocks at $1.4700. The weekly average for barrels is $1.4313 (+0.0333) and blocks, $1.4263 (-0.0017).
CHEESE HIGHLIGHTS: Despite end-of-year holidays, cheese production schedules remained strong in the West and East but were lighter in the Central region. Due to the fact that Class I orders were largely stalled because of school closures, processors in the Northeast reported robust production schedules. Block cheese inventories are growing week over week. In the Midwest, contacts relay cheese demand is seasonally quieter than anticipated, and some cheese plants ran lighter production schedules as a result. Light cheese manufacturing caused spot milk prices to plummet to -$8 to -$2 under Class.
BUTTER HIGHLIGHTS: Retail butter demand is strong to steady for the finishing stretch of 2023. Stakeholders indicate inventories are more balanced in the west region than the central or eastern regions of the US. Unsalted and salted butter inventories are comfortable to lighter in the east region. Cream supplies are plentiful to ample throughout the country. Furthermore, some western contacts share finding homes for spot loads of cream has been difficult, and some midwestern butter plant managers say they have been forced to turn offers away due to being at or near capacity. Bulk butter overages range from 1 to 9 cents above market, across all regions.
FLUID MILK HIGHLIGHTS: The holiday season has brought ample fluid milk, cream and condensed skim availability throughout the nation. Mild winter weather has continued to keep milk and milk component levels increasing. Bottling orders lightened earlier than contacts had expected this year. Spot milk prices reported by cheesemakers in the Midwest reached a recent low of $8-under Class III as $2-under Class was the top end of the range. Cheesemakers say they are having to turn away offers. Cream end users are in a similar scenario. Condensed skim stores are noted as ample nationwide. F.O.B. cream multiples are .65-1.10 in the East, .50-1.06 in the Midwest, and .80-1.10 in the West.