Prices for skim milk powder were steady to firm this period. Production has increased marginally as milk intakes are increasing along the seasonal trend. Skim milk powder appears to be the manufacturers dairy powder of choice as margins, in combination with butter margins, are above whole milk powder. Supplies are very tight in the near term and into the first quarter of 2014. Prices for first quarter sales to Asia and the middle East were strong. Large lot buyers are currently in negotiations for second quarter supplies with some concluded sales showing slight discounts in pricing.