Unseasonably hot weather conditions over much of the state of California affected milk production. The declines were sometimes welcomed, especially as butter and cheese prices decline nationally and producers do not have to make product at a high inventory value. Fluid milk orders are mostly steady. Some declines are noticed from food service accounts. Alfalfa prices within the state are steady to firmer.
Some producers are forward paying for crops and animals for next year.
This is working because of the current good pay prices in the state. New Mexico milk production is showing slight increases and handlers are moving milk within the region. Sales to the Southeast or stair-stepped there have diminished. Plants within the state are taking regular orders. Hay prices are steady to firmer and some leveling of cow and heifer prices is noted.