US cheese production rose 1.6% YOY in November according to the USDA, the 5^th month in succession when it was slower than expansion in manufacturing milk. American cheese output rose 2.2% YOY (with a 1.7% increase for cheddar) while “other cheese” (including mozzarella) lifted 1.5% YOY. Nearly all the growth in American cheese output came from the Central region, as Atlantic region output has consistently increased YOY since May while the West continued to decline.

Combined NFDM & SMP output fell 9.8% YOY in November, reflecting a contraction of 33.9% for SMP (due to weak export demand) and a 1% decline for NFDM. Butter production was up 8.9% YOY in November, following three consecutive monthly falls. Dry whey production fell 1.7% YOY for the month but has generally trended positive since March.

There was a 8.3% YOY rise in output of WPC 25-49.9% products while WPC 50-89.9% rose 5% YOY. Lactose output rose 2.8% YOY in November. November MPC production fell 3.5% YOY, while output of WPIs declined 5.5% YOY but remains 12.4% ahead for the year to date.