Weekly Market Report: Feb. 21, 2023
Weekly market report beginning the week of Feb. 21, 2023. Data compiled from state and national market sources.
Cattle
Altoona Equity Market: Feb. 16, 2023
FED CATTLE:
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 130.00 to 157.00.
Choice Dairy X-bred Steers & Heifers: 130.00 to 149.00.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 138.00 to 144.00.
Choice Holstein Steers: 125.00 to 137.00.
Select, Unfinished & Heavyweight Steers & Heifers: 124.00 & down.
CULL COWS: Steady
Higher 20% sold for: 86.00 to 93.00.
60% sold for: 72.00 to 85.00.
Lower 20% sold for: 71.00 & down.
CULL BULLS:
Most Bulls: 75.00 to 93.00.
CALVES: Sold by the head.
80% of Holstein Bull Calves 95 lbs. & up: 60.00 to 130.00.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 50.00 & down.
Quality Beef Calves: 90.00-180.00.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 90.00 & down
Bonduel Equity Market: Feb. 20, 2023
FED CATTLE: Steady.
High Yielding Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 140.00 to 156.50.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 139.00 & down.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 135.00 146.00.
Choice Holstein Steers: 100.00 to 134.00.
Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 99.00 & down.
CULL COWS: Steady
Higher 20% sold for: 78.00 to 97.00.
60% sold for: 65.00 to 77.00.
Lower 20% sold for: 65.00 & down.
CULL BULLS: Steady
Most Bulls: 80.00 to 90.00.
Thin, Full Bulls, over a ton discounted: 79.00 & down.
CALVES: Sold by the pound. Steady.
Holstein Bull Calves: 150.00 to 240.00.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 20.00 & down.
Quality Beef Calves: 150.00 to 385.00.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 30.00 & down, heavy discounts on light and poor quality.
FEEDER CATTLE: As of 2/16/23 sale.
Beef steers under 400 lbs: No Test.
Beef steers 400-600 lbs: 166.00-176.00.
Beef steers 600-800 lbs: 126.00-175.00.
Beef steers over 800 lbs: No Test.
Beef heifers under 400 lbs: No Test.
Beef heifers 400-600 lbs: 140.00-158.00.
Beef heifers 600-800 lbs: 130.00-142.00.
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: 120.00-126.00.
Holstein steers over 800 lbs: No test.
Johnson Creek Equity Market: Feb. 13, 2023
FED CATTLE: Steady.
High Yielding Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: No test.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 115.00 to 144.00.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 130.00 to 138.00.
Choice Holstein Steers: 110.00 to 128.00.
Select & Unfinished Cattle: 95.00 & down.
CULL COWS: Steady
20% sold for: 68.00 to 83.00.
60% sold for: 60.00 to 72.00.
Lower 20% sold for: 60.00 & down.
CULL BULLS: Steady.
Most Bulls: 70.00 to 85.00.
Thin & Full Bulls, discounted: 60.00 & down.
CALVES, sold by the pound: Steady
60% of Holstein Bull Calves: 120.00 to 200.00.
Quality Dairy Heifer Calves: 40.00 to 90.00.
Quality Beef Calves: 250.00 to 330.00.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 100.00 & down.
Lomira Equity Market: Feb. 20, 2023
FED CATTLE: Steady.
High Yielding Choice & Prime Beef Steers & Heifers: 149.00 to 155.00.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 139.00 to 148.00.
Select, Low Yielding & Underfinished Beef Steers & Heifers: 134.00 & down.
X-bred Steers & Heifers: 136.00 to 150.00.
High Yielding Choice & Prime Holstein Steers: 142.00 to 146.00.
Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 135.00 to 142.00.
Low Yielding, Select & Underfinished Holstein Steers & Heifers: 98.00-130.00.
MARKET COWS:
High Yielding Cows: 79.00 to 90.00.
Cutters & Utility: 52.00 to 78.00.
Canners & Shells: 30.00-50.00
MARKET BULLS: Steady
High Yielding Bulls: 85.00 to 100.00.
Thin, Light & Over-Conditioned Bulls: 80.00 & down.
CALVES (02/14/23 Auction): Sold by the pound.
Quality Holstein Bull Calves weighing 90-125 lbs: 120.00 to 175.00.
Light Weight Calves: 80.00 to 130.00.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 40.00-80.00.
Quality Beef and X-bred Bulls & Heifer Calves: Heifers 190.00-310.00; Bulls 250.00-345.00.
Poor Quality Calves: 70.00 & down
Monroe Equity Market: Feb. 20, 2023
FED CATTLE:
High Yielding Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 160.00-170.00.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 149.00-159.50.
Choice Dairy X-bred Steers & Heifers: 130.00-162.00.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 137.00-148.00.
Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 120.00-136.50.
Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 119.00 and down.
Wednesday 02/15/23 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: 125.00-141.50.
Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 125.00-140.50.
Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 120.00 & down.
CULL COWS: Steady
High Yielding Cows: 80.00 to 98.50.
Cutters & Utility: 65.00 to 79.50.
Canners & Shells: 64.00 & down.
SLAUGHTER BULLS:
High Yielding Bulls: 92.00 to 107.00.
Thin, Light and Overconditioned Bulls: 87.00 & down.
CALVES: Sold by the pound.
Quality Holstein Bull Calves: 165.00 to 240.00.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 115.00 & down.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 90.00 & down.
Quality Beef & Beef X-bred Calves: bulls 360.00 & down; heifers 340.00 & down.
Reedsville Equity Market: Feb. 16, 2023
FED CATTLE: Steady
High Yielding Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 135.00 to 157.50.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 118.00 to 134.00.
High Yielding Choice Holstein Steers: 128.00 to 143.00.
Choice Holstein Steers: 110.00 to 127.00.
Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 109.00 & down.
CULL COWS: Steady
Higher 20% sold for: 78.00 to 92.00.
60% sold for: 60.00 to 77.00.
Lower 20% sold for: 59.00 & down.
CULL BULLS: Steady
Most Bulls: 60.00-92.00.
CALVES: Softer
40% of Holstein Bull Calves: 100.00-145.00.
Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 40.00 & down.
Quality Beef Calves: 350.00 & down.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 40.00 & down.
FEEDER CATTLE: Next sale is Feb. 23 at noon.
Holstein steers under 400 lbs: 100.00 to 155.00.
Holstein steers 400 to 600 lbs: 100.00 to 140.00.
Holstein steers 600 to 800 lbs: 90.00 to 120.00.
Holstein steers over 800 lbs: 90.00 to 120.00.
Stratford Equity Market: Feb. 20, 2023
FED CATTLE:
High Yielding Choice & Prime Beef Steers & Heifers: 145.00-155.00.
Choice Beef Steers & Heifers: 125.00 to 144.00.
High Yielding Choice & Prime Holstein Steers & Heifers: 130.00-147.00.
Select & Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers: 120.00 to 129.00.
Unfinished Steers & Heifers: 120.00 and down.
CULL COWS: Steady
Higher 20% sold for: 77.00 to 92.00.
60% sold for: 60.00 to 76.00.
Lower 20% sold for: 60.00 & down.
Good certified organic cows (for slaughter): 130.00-146.50.
CULL BULLS: Steady
Most Bulls: 85.00 to 103.50.
Thin, Full, Horned Bulls discounted: 85.00 & down.
CALVES, sold by the head: Steady
Good to Top Quality Holstein Bull Calves: 125.00-250.00.
Top Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 20.00 to 30.00.
Plain Quality Holstein Heifer Calves: 20.00 & down.
Quality Beef Calves: 200.00 to 400.00.
Light & Poor Quality Calves: 50.00 & down.
FEEDER CATTLE: Steady
Beef Steers: Under 400 lbs: 140.00-190.00; 400 to 600 lbs: 140.00-188.00; 600 to 800 lbs: 140.00-168.00; Over 800 lbs: 115.00-136.00.
Beef Heifers: Under 400 lbs: 120.00-175.00; 400 to 600 lbs: 120.00-175.00; 600 to 800 lbs: 110.00-159.00; Over 800 lbs: 100.00-131.00.
Holstein Steers: Under 400 lbs: 85.00-125.00; 400 to 600 lbs: 85.00-125.00; 600 to 800 lbs: 85.00-125.00; Over 800 lbs: 85.00-125.00.
Milwaukee Stockyards: Feb. 20, 2023
COWS:
No Roll Cows: 80.00 to 90.00.
High Yielding Cutters & Utility: 65.00 to 75.00.
Cutters: 55.00 to 65.00.
Canners & Shells: 50.00 & down.
HOLSTEIN STEERS:
High Choice & Prime Holstein Steers, 1400-1600 lbs: 137.00 to 143.00.
Choice Holstein Steers: 130.00 to 136.00.
Select Steers: 110.00 to 125.00.
Unfinished Holstein Steers: 110.00 & down.
BEEF CATTLE:
Choice & Prime Angus Beef 1200-1500 lbs: 155.00 to 158.00.
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: 150.00 to 190.00.
Common to Good Bulls 80-100 lbs: 50.00 to 150.00.
Beef Bull Calves: 250.00 to 365.00.
Beef Heifer Calves: 200.00 to 315.00.
Dairy Heifer Calves: 10.00 to 100.00.
Boning Calves: 15.00 & down.
Premier Livestock: Feb. 16, 2023
MARKET COWS: Stronger
Selling Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
High Yielding Cows: 85.00 to 104.00.
Most Market Cows: 72.00 to 84.00.
Low Yielding Cows: 71.00 and down.
FED MARKET STEERS AND HEIFERS: Stronger
High Choice & Prime Holstein Steers: 140.00 to 155.00.
Low Choice & Select Holstein Steers: 130.00 to 139.00.
Underfinished & Mixed Grading: 129.00 & down.
MARKET BULLS: Stronger
High Yielding Bulls: 97.00 to 116.00.
Plainer Quality Bulls: 96.00 & down.
BABY CALVES: Steady
Most Holstein Bull Calves: 125.00-225.00.
Quality Beef Calves: 150.00 to 390.00.
Holstein Heifer Calves, Single Birth: 10.00-30.00.
Light and off quality calves: 30.00 & down.
Fennimore: Feb. 21, 2023
High Yield Slaughter Cows: 75.00-84.00; Holstein Bulls & Calves: 95-120 lbs: 185.00-240.00; Light Weight & Poor Calves: 55.00-80.00; Holstein Heifer Calves: 70.00-100.00; Beef X-Bred Calves: 200.00-300.00.
National Cattle Summary: Feb. 20, 2023
For Monday in the Southern Plains negotiated cash trade was at a standstill. In Nebraska and Western Cornbelt negotiated cash trade was mostly inactive on very light demand. Not enough purchases for a market trend. The latest established market in these regions was last week. In the Southern Plains live purchase traded at 162.00. In Nebraska live purchases from 159.00-161.00 and dressed purchases at 257.00. In the Western Cornbelt live purchases from 160.00-162.00 and dressed purchases from 254.00-257.00.
Dairy Cattle Summary
Reedsville Equity Market: Feb. 16, 2023
Top Quality Springing Holstein Heifers: 800.00 to 1600.00.
Plainer Quality Springing Holstein Heifers: 750.00 & down.
Good Quality Shortbred Heifers: 700.00 to 1300.00.
Good Quality Springing & Recently Fresh Cows: 850.00 to 1800.00.
Good Bred Back Milking Cows: 850.00 to 1800.00.
Plain Quality & Common Cows: 500.00 to 800.00.
Dehorned & Vaccinated Open Heifers, 350-550 lbs: 50.00 to 100.00/lb.
Dehorned & Vaccinated Open Heifers, 550-750 lbs: 70.00 to 110.00/lb.
Dehorned & Vaccinated Open Heifers, 750-950 lbs: 70.00 to 110.00/lb.
Central Livestock, Zumbrota, MN: Feb. 20, 2023
FINISHED CATTLE:
Finished Beef Steers: 154.00-161.00; Mixed Grading: 114.00-153.50.
Finished Beef Heifers: 154.00-165.00; Mixed Grading: 112.00-153.50.
Finished Dairy Steers: 133.00-141.00; Silage Fed, Heavyweight, Select Grade, Lightweight: 95.00-132.50.
MARKET COWS:
Mostly 68.50-114.00; Thin/shelly/full/overfed cows: 69.00 & down; Market Bulls: 90.00-115.00.
Bred Beef Cows & Heifers: N/A; cow/calf pairs: N/A.
Calves: 95-125 lbs: 100.00-185.00; 150-250 lbs: 100.00; Beef Calves: 150.00-265.00; Lighter, Weaker, Younger Calves: 90.00 & down.
FEEDER CATTLE:
Beef Steers: under 600 lbs: Up to 190.00/cwt; 600-800 lbs: Up to 152.50; 800-1000 lbs: Up to 140.00; Beef Heifers: 350-600 lbs: Up to 165.00/cwt; 600-800 lbs: Up to 127.50; 800-1000 lbs: Up to 126.00/cwt.
Holstein Steers: under 400 lbs: Up to 110.00/cwt; 400-600 lbs: Up to 149.00/cwt; 600-800 lbs: Up to 102.00/cwt; 800-1000 lbs: Up to 125.00/cwt.
Eastern Corn Belt Direct, Feeder Cattle Summary: Feb. 17, 2023
Compared to last week: Not enough comparable Current FOB trades this week for a trend. Demand moderate. Supply included: 100% Feeder Cattle (10.2% Steers, 6.6% Dairy Steers, 76.7% Heifers, 6.6% Dairy Heifers). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 86%. 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 and up to a 20 cent slide < 600 lbs. Livestock reported this week originated from IL, KY.
Sheep & Lambs
**Fennimore: Feb. 21, 2023
Bucks & Ewes: 77.50-92.50.; Choice Lambs: 1.30-1.45/lb; Feeding Lambs: 2.00-2.90/lb.
Johnson Creek Equity Market: Feb. 13, 2023
Lambs: Over 100 lbs: 110.00-160.00; Under 100 lbs: 120.00-170.00; Ewes: 60.00-100.00; Bucks: 60.00-100.00.
Lomira Equity Market: Feb. 20, 2023
As of 01/28/2023: Finished Market Lambs: 130.00-180.00; Feeder Lambs: Under 65 lbs: 175.00-325.00; 70-100 lbs: 160.00-250.00; Ewes: 80.00-110.00; Rams: 70.00-110.00.
Monroe Equity Market: Feb. 20, 2023
As of 02/01/23: Finished Market Lambs: 1.25-1.35/lb.; Feeder Lambs: 1.75-1.85/lb.; Cull Ewes: .72-.90/lb; Cull Rams: .90-1.03/lb.
Stratford Equity Market: Feb. 20, 2023
As of 02/15/23: Feeder Lambs: 60.00-80.00; Market Lambs: 120.00-150.00; Cull Ewes: 70.00-80.00; Cull Rams: 50.00-55.00.
Central Livestock, Zumbrota, MN: Feb. 21, 2023
Feeder Lambs: 50-70 lbs: 200.00-275.00; 70-90 lbs: 80.00-225.00; Over 90 lbs: 115.00-160.00.
Fed Lambs 120-155 lbs: Selects: 146.00-148.00; Unshorn Lambs: 130.00-145.00.
Utility & Good Ewes: 65.00-115.00 Thin & Cull Ewes: 30.00-65.00; Yearling Ewes: 80.00-135.00.
Goats
**Fennimore: Feb. 21, 2023
Slaughter Nannies: 1.15-1.50/lb.; Slaughter Billies: 1.65-2.15/lb.; Slaughter Kids (Dairy): 2.15-3.00/lb.; Slaughter Kids (Boer): 4.00-4.90/lb
Johnson Creek Equity Market: Feb. 13, 2023
Young Goats over 80 lbs: 200.00 & down.
Young Goats 60-80 lbs: 200.00 & down.
Young Goats under 60 lbs: 170.00 & down.
Cull Goats: 110.00 & down.
Lomira Equity Market: Feb. 20, 2023
As of 01/28/2023:
Fed Goats: 160.00 to 240.00.
Dairy Kids: 180.00 to 300.00.
Boer Kids: 300.00 to 400.00.
Cull Goats: 100.00 to 200.00.
Monroe Equity Market: Feb. 20, 2023
As of 01/21/23: Goats sell by the head.
Dairy Goats 40-70 lbs: No Test.
Meat Goats 40-70 lbs: 120.00-175.00.
Meat Goats over 70 lbs: 170.00-215.00.
Cull Nannies & Billies: 195.00 & down.
Hogs
USDA Hog Report: Feb. 17, 2023
Compared to last week: Early weaned pigs 3.00 per head lower. All feeder pigs 8.00 per head lower. Demand light for moderate offerings.
Lomira Equity Market: Feb. 20, 2023
Feeder Pigs: 40-80 lbs: Call for availability.
Hogs: Heavy Sows: 44.00-46.00; Light Sows: 42.00-43.00; Boars: 10.00; Butcher Hogs: 55.00-65.00.
Johnson Creek Equity Market: Feb. 13, 2023
Butchers over 250 lbs: 45.00-80.00; Light Sows: 35.00-50.00; Heavy Sows: 35.00-50.00; Boars: 10.00-15.00; Feeder Pigs: 10.00-40.00.
Stratford Equity Market: Feb. 20, 2023
Butchers: 70.00-79.00; Sows: 40.00-45.00; Boars: 20.00-25.00; Slaughter Pigs: No test; Feeder Pigs, 25-35 lbs: 15.00-25.00/hd.; 45-55 lbs: 40.00-55.00/hd; 60-70 lbs: 55.00/hd.; 70-80 lbs: 55.00-60.00/hd.
Central Livestock, Zumbrota, MN: Feb. 21, 2023
Feeder Pigs: Up to 50 lbs: Up to 60.00/hd; 50-60 lbs: N/A; 60-80 lbs: Up to 50.00/hd; 80-100 lbs: N/A; 100-120 lbs: N/A.
Grains
Cargill La Crosse: Feb. 21, 2023
CORN/SOYBEANS
Mar ‘23: 6.8100/15.4775
May: 6.8100/15.4300
Sept: 6.1175/14.3225
Dec: 6.1300/-------
Mar.’24: 6.0400/13.9075
May: 6.0400/13.8425
July: 6.0800/13.8325
Sept: 5.6600/13.2500
Eggs
USDA Egg Report: Feb. 21, 2023
Midwest delivered prices are 7 cents lower for Extra Large and Large, 9 cents lower for Medium. Producer prices are 10 cents higher Large and Medium, unchanged on Small. The undertone is steady to fully steady. Demand is light to instances fairly good. Offerings are light. Supplies are light to moderate. Market activity is moderate.
Extra Large: 2.30-2.32; Large: 2.28-2.30; Medium: 2.25-2.27
Hay
Fennimore: Feb. 20, 2023
Large Square Hay: 120.00-150.00/ton; Lg. Round Dairy Quality Hay: 100.00-120.00/ton; Sm. Square Hay: 2.50-3.50/bale; Dry Cow/Beef Cow Hay: 70.00-90.00/ton; Large Square Straw: 41.00-45.00/bale; Corn Fodder: 35.00-45.00/bale.
Lomira Equity Market: Feb. 17, 2023
Every Friday at noon:
Small Squares Hay: 2.00-4.00/bale; Large Squares Hay Alfalfa: 60.00-90.00/bale; Large Squares Mix: 35.00-60.00/bale; Large Square Grass: 30.00-45.00/bale; Large Rounds Alfalfa Quality: 50.00-60.00/bale; Large Rounds Mix: 40.00-50.00/bale; Large Rounds Grass: 30.00-40.00/bale; Small Wheat Straw: 2.00-3.00/bale.
Stratford Equity Market: Feb. 14, 2023
Sale first and third Tuesday each month:
Large Square Grass Mix: 40.00-45.00/bale.
Large Square Hay Bales, 2nd and 3rd Crop Alfalfa: 60.00-65.00/bale.
Large Square Bales, Rye Straw: 40.00-45.00/bale.
Sm. Round Bales, Grass: 20.00-25.00/bale.
Alfalfa Rounds, 2nd & 3rd Crop: 55.00-60.00/bale.
Small Square Straw Bales: No test.
Small Square Hay Bales: 2.75-3.50/bale.
Tim Slack Auction & Realty, Hay & Bedding Report: Feb. 15, 2023
Hay, lg. Square: Premium: 200.00210.00/ton; Good: 135.00-172.50/bale; Fair: 100.00/ton; Sm. Square:3.50-4.00/bale.
Hay, lg. Round: Good: 75.00-130.00/ton:.
Straw, lg. square: 3x3 Good: 38.00-48.00/bale; Sm. Square Good: 3.50/bale
Grass, lg. square: 150.00-162.50/ton; lg. Round, good: 35.00-80.00/ton; Sm. Squares good: 2.50/bale.
Reedsville Equity Market: Feb. 21, 2023
High Quality 1st Crop Hay: 120.00-180.00/ton; Low Quality: 115.00/ton & down; High Quality 2nd & 3rd Crop Hay: 150.00-200.00/ton; Low Quality: 140.00/ton & down; High Quality Straw: No test; Low quality No test; Baleage: 40.00-60.00/ton.
Dairy
Weekly Animal Feed, Central U.S.: Feb. 16, 2023
Dry whey prices moved higher at all points, except for the top of the range, which held steady at $.43. Spot trading activity was notably busy again this week. Price points are shifting into the high $.30s more regularly than last week. Some brand preferred trades are moving in the low $.40s. Some contacts relay reports of Southeast Asian customers reentering the market. On a more bearish note, there continue to be increases in dry whey production as high protein markets continue to trend bearishly. All said, markets are uncertain. Animal feed whey prices are unchanged following last week's increase.
- Prices for Central U.S., All First Sales, FOB, Conventional and Non-Edible Dry Whey Price Range Animal Feed, $/lb: .2700 - .3100.
- Prices for Central U.S., All First Sales, FOB, Extra Grade & Grade A, Conventional and Edible Dry Whey Price Range: Non-Hygroscopic, $/lb: .3200 - .4300; Mostly Range: Non-Hygroscopic, $/lb: .3550 - .4100.
Dairy Market Review: Feb. 17, 2023
BUTTER: Grade AA closed at $2.3750. The weekly average for Grade AA is $2.4215 (+0.0235).
CHEESE: Barrels closed at $1.5475 and 40# blocks at $1.8800. The weekly average for barrels is $1.5525 (-0.0275) and blocks, $1.8805 (+0.0220).
CHEESE HIGHLIGHTS: Milk is plentiful in the Northeast and West, allowing cheesemakers to operate strong production schedules. In the Midwest, cheesemakers note milk is available, and some spot loads continue to move at $10 under Class III, though milk offers vary throughout the region with some cheesemakers relaying prices closer to $4 or $5 under Class. In the Midwest and West, demands for cheese are mixed, while contacts in the Northeast relay steady domestic cheese sales.
BUTTER HIGHLIGHTS: Cream is available throughout the country, and contacts in the Central region note volumes are actively flowing into butter plants, while cream remains at favorable pricing for churning. Some stakeholders in the Central region say they are micro-fixing to meet specific needs, but they are also actively churning available cream supplies. Demand for butter is meeting seasonal expectations in the Central region, though contacts note expectations are often low in February when compared to other parts of the year.
FLUID MILK HIGHLIGHTS: Milk production is steady to higher for the Northeast and areas of California, where cow comfort has improved following a stretch of unfavorable weather in each region. A few contacts speculate that farmers may lower milk output if milk prices fall. Bottling demand is generally steady. However, some eastern schools are closed for the entirety of next week, with some school districts even extending their breaks from President's Day through March 1st. Contacts suggest that these closures may free up some milk supplies for Class II and Class III manufacturing. Class III demand lightened in Arizona, but demand is generally steady elsewhere. Midwest stakeholders continue to report spot load sales at below Class III price.