Fat and protein tests on the incoming milk are increasing in all regions. Manufacturing plants are still operating on light schedules in the Southeast. The condensed skim market is unsettled. Suppliers are estimating October's Class III skim price to be higher than September. The result is sharply higher Class III condensed skim prices.
Buyers are, in all likelihood, going to protest such a big jump.
Class II condensed skim prices are relatively unaffected and holding about steady. The fluid cream market remains weak. Offerings are heavy and demand is slow. Spot prices are sharply lower. Last week's CME butter average fell more than 32 cents from the week before.