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

WASHINGTON - Apr 30/07 - SNS -- The preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers in April, at 135%, based on 1990-92=100, increased 1 point (0.7%) from March, according to the current USDA update.

The Crop Index is down 1 point (0.7%) but the Livestock Index increased 3 points (2.4%). Producers received higher commodity prices for onions, milk, cattle, and tomatoes. Lower prices were received for lettuce, corn, strawberries, and eggs. 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 cattle, oranges, strawberries, and milk offset decreased marketings of soybeans, corn, wheat, and hogs.

The preliminary All Farm Products Index is up 24 points (22%) from April 2006. The Food Commodities Index, at 137, increased 2 points (1.5%) from last month and 25 points (22%) from April 2006.

The April Index of Prices Paid for Commodities and Services, Interest, Taxes, and Farm Wage Rates (PPITW) is 157% of the 1990-92 average. The index is up 2 points (1.3%) from March and 9 points (6.1%) above April 2006. Higher prices in April for field crop seeds, feeder cattle, diesel fuel, and gasoline more than offset lower prices for feed grains, feeder pigs, complete feeds, and feed supplements.

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