Gap Between Farm Costs and Prices Hits Ten-Year-High

U.S. farmers are facing one of the widest gaps between what they pay to produce food and what they earn from selling it.  

New USDA data released in December shows that by October 2025, the prices paid index climbed to 154.6, while the prices received index had fallen to 120.5.  When measured against 2011 levels, it cost producers 50% more now to grow their crops than back then, while the prices farmers receive for their products is only about 21% higher.

That gap of 34.1 index points in October was the biggest gap going back at least a decade.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com