Class III milk futures at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange closed mixed Thursday supported slightly by strong international markets and export demand.

The USDA reports bi-weekly whole and skim milk powder, cheddar cheese and butter prices are improving in both Western Europe and Oceania regions.

May milk closed down a nickel at $15.19.  June milk was a penny higher at $15.76. July milk down $0.03 at $16.42.  August closed down a penny at $16.79.  September through next April contracts closed four cents lower to unchanged.

Grade AA Butter closed up $0.0175 at $2.4025. Eight loads sold ranging from $2.3850 to $2.4025.

Blocks were down $0.0050 at $1.6210.

Barrels were unchanged at $1.55. Seven trades were made ranging from $1.5475 to $1.55.

Nonfat dry milk closed up $0.0025 at $0.8425. Five trades were made ranging from $0.8375 to $0.8450.

Dry whey was a penny higher at $0.37.