In this article, we’ll focus on the changes being proposed to
the Class 4b formula, with specific attention paid to the way
our Class 4b formula accounts for the value of the whey stream
generated as part of the cheese-making process. In order to
fully comprehend the California minimum price formula for milk
sold to cheese plants, we need a basic understanding of how the
milk is utilized by these plants. To assist in that, CDFA has
created a “Simplified Flowchart of a Cheese Plant with By-
Product Processing.” You can find it at right or at:
http://www.milkproducerscouncil.org/cheeseflowchart.jpg. While
each cheese plant is unique, this flowchart captures the basic
utilization of raw milk by a plant processing cheese and whey
products. As you can see on the flowchart, during the course of
the cheese-making process, the curds and whey are separated,
with the curds further processed into the different varieties of
cheese. The whey stream is also available to be further
processed, with the whey cream able to be s