Butter prices weaken; cheese production increases; milk demand is low
Cheese demand continues to be good and manufacturers are striving to fill that need.
Butter prices are weaker as some international markets converge to U.S. prices. Improved milk supplies are helping cheese plants to increase production, while milk production varies throughout the states, reports the USDA’s Dairy Market News. The following are highlights from the USDA’s Dairy Market News for the week of March 31 to April 4. Read the complete report here.
BUTTER HIGHLIGHTS: Butter prices are weaker as some international markets converge to U.S. prices. The market tone is becoming unsettled as manufacturers finish up most spring holiday orders this week. Production rates are steady to lower as a few butter churns ran slower due to tighter cream supplies. Domestic demand is very good following seasonal trends. Export orders are above previous years causing tighter supplies, but international sales are expected to slow some as price competition is increasing. Many butter manufacturers look to rebuild inventories upon completing current seasonal retail orders.