News

Ag producers made, paid less in October

The USDA’s average of prices received by ag producers dropped 6.6% from September to October. Lower prices for cattle, hogs, milk, and broiler chickens more than canceled out higher prices for corn, wheat, strawberries, and sweet corn. The livestock index was 7.1% lower and the crop index was 5.4% lower.

The index of prices paid by producers was down 0.8% on lower prices for feeder cattle, feeder pigs, complete feeds, and concentrates. Prices were up for wages, LP gas, diesel, and hay and forages.

Compared to a year ago, the prices received index was down 9%, with the livestock index dropping 21%, the prices paid index was 4.5% lower.