WASDE: More milk projected with lower culling rates
The milk production forecast is increased from last month on a slower reduction in the cow inventory and slightly faster growth in milk per cow. Fat basis exports are raised on strong exports of butterfat-containing products, but strong imports of butterfat and cheese supported an increase in the fat basis import forecast. Skim-solids exports and imports are lowered on the pace of trade to date.
The butter and nonfat dry milk (NDM) price forecast are reduced from last month on relatively large supplies and continued pressure from weak international prices. Cheese and whey prices are unchanged at the midpoint, but the range is narrowed for cheese. With no change made to cheese and whey, the Class III price is unchanged at the midpoint. The Class IV price is lowered on lower butter and NDM prices. The annual all milk price forecast is unchanged at the midpoint as stronger first-half prices are offset by lower second-half price forecasts.
