NDM - CENTRAL: Low/medium heat NDM prices held steady on the short trading week. Overall trading was down this week from last. However, midwestern buyers and sellers were busy in comparison to previous Thanksgiving weeks. A number suggest some firmness is taking place, and a growing number of reported trades did reach over the $.90 mark. However, most trades are taking place closer to the mid to high $.80s still. Inventory reports are mixed from limited to growing. As more cheese producers are taking time away, some contacts suggest more milk is beginning to head to the dryer. High heat inventories are unchanged, as production is contractually focused.

NDM - WEST: Most producers are saying that their inventories are balanced and do not require any immediate changes in pricing strategies. Spot trading activities are fair to good depending on the individual vendor. International sales, especially the ones going to Mexico, remain solid. However, concerns about the strengthening value of the dollar and the competitiveness of the European skim milk prices are still affecting market decisions. Low/medium heat NDM production is active and will more likely fur ther increase during this holiday shortened workweek. However, no issues are foreseen with the handling of condensed skim. High heat NDM prices have decreased at the bottom of the range while production schedules are unchanged from a week ago. Manufacturers are producing only as needed as they are focusing their attention on other priority dry products processing.

NDM - EAST: Ahead of Thanksgiving, low/medium heat NDM f.o.b. spot market prices are steady in both the range and mostly series. With heavier holiday milk supplies expected to clear into balancing plants that have been operating well below capacity, low/medium heat NDM production should increase this week. However, manufacturers are advising that this year’s Thanksgiving week milk supply volumes will be some of the lowest receipts seen and could contribute to lighter producer’s yearend NDM stocks held. Demand is mixed as market participants note a slight uptick in the number of loads being exchanged. High heat NDM production is limited with most manufacturers running product to fill contract demand and having little supplies to offer on the spot market.