Across the country milk production is still seasonally increasing in most areas, except the Southwest where near-record temperatures are plaguing milk production as well as the butterfat and protein levels in the milk. Memorial Day marked the unofficial beginning of summer. For the dairy industry it means lower fluid milk demand with the closing of schools at a time when milk production is near its seasonally peak. The handling this year's limited supply of "seasonal peak" production over the holiday weekend was no problem in Georgia due to declining production and increasing demand.

Prices received by dairy farmers should continue to increase over the summer as milk production falls nationally and people continue to eat plenty of dairy products both at home and away from home. (Bill Thomas)

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