That's a consideration few people have; the possibility that we
wouldn't have a "June Dairy Month." You may recall the original "got
dictionary to define all the various terms when ordering? Or, imagine a country without milk for the latest dairy craze, Greek yogurt? That likely will never happen but it could. I think June Dairy Month gives pause for the dairy industry to pat itself on the back and remind consumers of something they so easily take for granted, a fully supplied, safe,
duction. Weather across the country has been favorable to increased cow comfort levels. Processing plants around the country are busy manufacturing various dairy products and Class I demand is slowing as more schools close. Cream multiples are mostly steady with some discounting for out of region sales. Class II demand is increasing, al-
beit slower than expected, as warmer weather has been slow to arrive in parts of the country. The California Department of Food & Agriculture hosted a hearing, May 20, to consider temporary adjustments to the state's minimum milk pricing formulas. DairyBusiness Update reports that Western United Dairymen CEO Michael Marsh requested a temporary 13.8 cent per pound increase in the Class 4b milk solidsnot-fat price used in the state's Class 4b formula. “The impact of our proposed change would re-
Dairy Month 16
Mielke from 13 dessert and ice cream manufacturers. Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk held all week at $1.68 and Extra Grade remained at $1.70. AMS powder averaged $1.6338, down 0.6 cent, and dry whey averaged 57.2 cents per pound, down a half-cent. Milk production levels around the country are trending both higher and lower, says USDA’s weekly update. Southern
regions are mostly past their peak, while many Northern areas are trending towards their Spring flush. Increases in Class I demand in Florida have reduced shipments of milk out of the region. North Central areas of the country are experiencing a later than typical flush and are still building supplies. The Southwest and California report mostly steady pro-
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sult in an approximate 50 cents per cwt increase in the overbase price,” Marsh said. “While this is not enough to recoup the immense losses incurred in the recent past, it will not only help bridge the gap between cost of production and milk revenues, it will provide a much-needed closer relationship between Class III and Class 4b prices.” “The temporary increase proposed for Class 4b is to get to what the producer side of the industry has been advocating for almost three years: a fair pool value
from cheese making revenues.” WUD is the largest dairy producer trade association in California, representing approximately 900 of the state's dairy families, according to DBU. Lastly, a salute, in lieu of the upcoming Father’s Day and my dad’s 90th birthday May 29. Ken Mielke was a simple man who worked hard all his life, loved, and faithfully provided for his wife, Marge of 64 years, (losing her in December 2011) and for me and my brother, David. THANK YOU Dad and many more!
Page 15 • COUNTRY FOLKS MID-ATLANTIC • June 3, 2013
Got June Dairy Month? from the "Mielke Market Weekly"
milk" commercials used that scenario to get consumers to consider what life would be like without milk. Taking that a step further, could you imagine a country without its football field after football field worth of cheese we consume each day, each week, and each month? Can you imagine not having milk for that specialty morning "coffee" that today has so many names and varieties you need a