USDA E. Fluid Milk & Cream Review 12/18 12:25

AMS_1101 MARS

Fluid Milk And Cream - East U.S.

Released on December 18, 2025

Milk availability is lighter this week in the Northeast. Recent adverse weather 
negatively impacting cow comfort is reducing milk volumes. Southeast milk 
production remains steady. Milk component levels are seasonally strong with 
contacts stating milk fat levels are higher compared to this time last year. 
Class I demand is stronger than normal for this time of year. Bottling is 
expected to slow as many educational institutions take their winter break, 
leaving more milk available for the spot market. Class II demand is steady. 
Retail demand for seasonal dairy products is slowing, and many manufacturers 
are reducing intake to prepare for the upcoming holidays. Class III production 
is slowly increasing as more milk is available on the spot market. Spot milk 
sales are increasing for Class III as more milk is diverted from Class I and 
other production facilities. Class IV demand is strengthening in the Northeast. 
Butter churns are operating seven days a week with some facilities using their 
full contract loads of cream while others are purchasing spot loads to keep the 
churns full. The cream multiple range tightened slightly at both ends of the 
range this week. Condensed skim availability is growing as the upcoming 
holidays approach. Contacts report a dramatic drop in price for condensed skim 
destined for Class III facilities. Decreased demand coupled with increased 
volumes are contributing to the declining prices. Class II demand for condensed 
skim is steady. Condensed skim sales ranged from $0.80 to $1.64 per pound.

Northeast, F.O.B. Condensed Skim
Range - Class II; Dollars per Pound                  1.19 - 1.39
Range - Class III; Dollars per Pound                 0.8 - 1.64


Northeast, F.O.B. Cream
Range - All Classes; Dollars per Pound               1.5672 - 1.9221
Range - All Classes; Factor Pricing                  1.06 - 1.3
Range - Class II; Dollars per Pound                  1.7003 - 1.9221
Range - Class II; Factor Pricing                     1.15 - 1.3


Information for the period December 15 - 19, 2025, issued weekly

Secondary Sourced Information:

N/A

[0600059B]