News

U.S. producers made more in February

 

The USDA says U.S. producers made significantly more in February than in January.

The index of all prices received for goods was up 5.7% on the month, with a 10% jump in the crop production category cancelling out a 0.3% decline in livestock. Prices were up for cattle, corn, market eggs, and oranges, and down for milk, broiler chickens, lemons, and broccoli. The food commodity index was 2.9% higher. Monthly marketings were higher for cattle, hogs, broilers, and milk, but lower for corn, soybeans, cotton, and tobacco.

The prices paid index was up 0.9% with decreases in LP gas, trucks, repairs, and other machinery cancelling out increases in feeder cattle, complete feeds, nitrogen, and concentrates.

Year to year, the prices received index was 0.2% lower, while the prices paid index was up 3.2%. The food commodity index was 1% below last year.

The indices for March are out April 27th.