Oceania Dairy Market Overview

MADISON - Apr 16/15 - SNS -- The USDA published its latest review of dairy market conditions in Australia and New Zealand today.

OCEANIA OVERVIEW:
Australian weather has been favorable to milk production in most
dairy regions, leading to production increases.  However,
demand for dairy products from traditional large Asian customers
has become sluggish due to what is perceived as the slowing of
China's economy as it matures.  Carryover inventories for many
processors are said to be weighing on markets as well.  These
factors are contributing to weaker prices as the season end
draws closer.
New Zealand's February milk production as reported by DCANZ was
1.86 million MT, down from  1.97 MT in February 2014 and 1.76 MT
in February 2013.  At the April 15 GDT event #138, average
prices ranged from 7.8% lower to 2.7% higher from the prior
event across categories. The all contracts price averages (US$
per MT) and percent changes from the previous average are:
anhydrous milk fat, $3,774 +2.3%; butter, $3,026 -6.6%;
buttermilk powder, $2,208 +2.1%; cheddar cheese, $2,888 +2.7%;
lactose, $572, n.a., rennet casein, $6,949 -0.6%; skim milk
powder, $2,253 -7.8%; sweet whey powder, n.a.; and whole milk
powder, $2,446 -4.3%.
0930C eric.graf@ams.usda.gov
USDA/AMS/Dairy Market News, Madison, Wisconsin
Dairy Market News website: www.ams.usda.gov/dairymarketnews
Dairy Market News database portal: http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/da-home

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STAT News Service