Under Federal milk marketing orders, Class III milk is primarily used to produce which product?

Class III milk is primarily associated with the production of cheese, particularly ripened cheeses. This classification is significant because milk is categorized into different classes based on its intended use, and Class III is specifically designated for milk used in manufacturing cheese.

Ripened cheeses undergo a maturation process which involves specific fermentation and aging, leading to the development of distinct flavors and textures that are characteristic of these types of cheese. The protein and fat content in Class III milk make it particularly suitable for cheese production, as these components are crucial for achieving the desired properties in the final product.

In contrast, yogurt, skim milk, and sour cream, while also dairy products, fall under different classes within the federal milk marketing system. Yogurt is typically made using milk classified as Class I or II, dependent on the processing methods and intended market. Skim milk is a product of Class I based on its direct use for fluid consumption, and sour cream is linked to Class II. Thus, Class III's primary focus on ripened cheese production clearly justifies why this classification is correct for the specified question.