Cheese futures tallied nearly 500 total trades in route to contracts finishing the week mixed. The 2Q 2015 futures pack averaged 1.5870/lb., declining 3.83¢ week over week.
Dry whey contracts erased early session strength to settle mixed. The 2Q 2015 futures pack averaged 43.525¢, gaining 1.5250¢ higher week over week.
Class IV futures settled between unchanged and 22¢ lower, as the weakness of the NFDM and butter markets continues to drive values lower. The 2Q 2015 futures pack averaged $14.56/cwt., posting a week-over-week decline of 62¢. Over the past month the second quarter pack average has declined by $1.63.
NFDM futures settled Friday between unchanged and 3.5¢ lower. The 2Q 2105 futures pack averaged $1.08/lb., dropping 6.067¢ week over week.
Butter futures closed out last week lower. The 2Q 2015 futures pack average $1.74/lb., shedding 4.025¢ over the past week.
USDEC released dairy export figures for January, highlighting the decline for U.S. products. Exports to our three biggest importers – Mexico, Southeast Asia and Canada – were down 20%, 53% and 9%, respectively.
U.S. dairy cow slaughter under federal inspection for the week ending Feb. 28 was estimated at 58,400 head, up 1,100 head (1.9%) from the week prior, but 4.6% lower than the similar period last year. Year-to-date estimated slaughter is 550,600 head, 3.6% higher year over year.
March 13 spot session results:
Block cheese: $1.5700 (unchanged)
Barrel cheese: $1.5450 (unchanged)
Grade A NFDM: 99.25¢ (down 0.25¢)
Butter: $1.6950 (down 1.0¢)
Today’s expectations:
• Class III futures to open lower
• Cheese & Dry Whey futures to open soft
• Class IV, Butter & NFDM futures top open lower
Grain futures
Grain markets ended last week shedding value as fundamental forces weighed on these markets. The Dollar index soared again in value; the price of crude oil collapsed; while the threats of trucker strikes in South America have subsided.
Today’s expectation:
• Corn & Soybean futures to open lower
Source: DairyHerd