Milk heads toward the 'doldrums' as cheese production slows, says USDA
Farm milk production is stepping down gradually in most areas of the country, reports Dairy Market News for the week of June 11 to 15. The publication from the USDA says that "most areas also report bottled milk demand is heading toward the summer doldrums."
USDA also notes that production schedules at cheese plants are slowing as milk supplies appear to have passed the peak Spring flush.
The milk production forecast for 2012 is raised as cow numbers are expected to decline more slowly. The production forecast for 2013 is unchanged. Export forecasts are raised for both 2012 and 2013 on expected strength in cheese and nonfat dry milk (NDM) sales.