USDA West Fluid Milk 03/05 13:05

AMS_1102 MARS

Fluid Milk and Cream - West U.S.

Released on March 05, 2026

California milk production is stronger as it makes its way towards peak spring 
volumes. Handlers report that February 2026 milk production is up year over 
year and compared to the month prior. Manufacturers note milk intakes are close 
to anticipated volumes. Stakeholders' milk volumes are pushing production 
capacities, especially in the Central Valley. Spot milk loads are available. 
Stakeholders indicate cream volumes are somewhat heavy. Farm level milk output 
is seasonally strengthening in Arizona and New Mexico. The latest National 
Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) milk production report shows New Mexico 
decreasing in the number of milk cows for January 2026 compared to the same 
month in 2025. Pacific Northwest milk production is mixed for week 10. Some 
manufacturers note milk intakes below anticipated volumes. Stakeholders relay 
some spot loads have been purchased, but in some cases delivery costs have 
inhibited spot load purchases. The latest NASS milk production report shows the 
number of milk cows decreasing in Washington in January 2026 compared to the 
same month in 2025. Farm level milk output in the mountain states of Idaho, 
Utah, and Colorado is generally showing seasonal increase. Colorado handlers 
indicate lighter snowpack and weather conditions this winter are making 
seasonal milk production changes less pronounced. Manufacturers indicate milk 
volumes are in good balance with processing capacities. The most recent NASS 
milk production report shows the number of milk cows increasing in Idaho for 
January 2026 compared to the same month in the prior year. No changes in Class 
I, II, III, or IV demands are reported this week. Cream is widely available for 
most of the region. Cream multiples moved higher for both ranges. Demand is 
stronger. Condensed skim milk availability is steady and demand is stronger.

West, F.O.B. Cream
Range - All Classes; Dollars per Pound               1.5572 - 2.3633
Range - All Classes; Factor Pricing                  0.85 - 1.29
Range - Class II; Dollars per Pound                  1.9053 - 2.3633
Range - Class II; Factor Pricing                     1.04 - 1.29


Information for the period March 2 - 6, 2026, issued weekly

Secondary Sourced Information:

N/A

[0600059B]