Prices Received by U.S. Farmers Up From Last Month

WASHINGTON - Mar 29/07 - SNS -- The preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers in March, at 133%, based on 1990-92=100, increased 5 points (3.9%) from February, reveals the latest USDA update.

The Crop Index is up 6 points (4.3%) and the Livestock Index increased 5 points (4.2%). Producers received higher commodity prices for cattle, lettuce, oranges, and broilers. Lower prices were received for strawberries, celery, corn, and hogs. The overall index is also affected by the seasonal change based on a 3-year average mix of commodities producers sell. Increased average marketings of strawberries, broilers, and milk offset decreased marketings of cattle, oranges, and corn.

The preliminary All Farm Products Index is up 20 points (18%) from March 2006. The Food Commodities Index, at 134, increased 6 points (4.7%) from last month and increased 19 points (17%) from March 2006.

The March Index of Prices Paid for Commodities and Services, Interest, Taxes, and Farm Wage Rates (PPITW) is 155% of the 1990-92 average. The index is up 2 points (1.3%) from February and 8 points (5.4%) above March 2006. Higher prices in March for feed concentrates, feeder cattle, diesel fuel, and complete feeds more than offset lower prices for feed grains, trucks, tractors, and autos.

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