At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Class III milk futures closed to the lower side Wednesday ahead of the Thanksgiving Holiday and pressured somewhat by improving international prices. November closed a penny higher at $14.48. December down 14 cents at $14.32. The average price of the first half of 2019 dropped 6 cents to $15.09 per cwt while the second half of next year’s calendar dropped 3 cents to $16.26. January a dime lower at $14.46. February down six cents at $14.70. March through next October contracts closed two to seven cents lower. Class IV followed a similar pattern with the first half dropping 6 cents as well to $15.27 per cwt while the second half of the year move a penny higher to close at $16.24.
Block cheese was 1/2 cent higher after three loads moved from seller to buyer to finish at $1.34 1/2 while barrels were down a penny closing at $1.24 after just a pair of loads were traded. Butter dropped 2 1/4 cents after four loads moved from seller to buyer. It finishes at $2.28 a pound while grade A nonfat dry milk rose a penny on 11 loads to finish at 89 cents. Dried whey saw seven loads trade hands, prices moved 1/2 cent higher and now finish at 42 1/2 cents.
Dairy markets will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.