commodity prices

As we wrap up 2022, many commodity prices are holding strong, despite bouts of volatility.  Dave Widmar, ag economist with Agricultural Economic Insights, said he expects the farm economy’s strength to continue into the New Year.   "In ge...

In many ways, 2022 was a turbulent year for Northwest producers, for a variety of reasons, with some commodities enjoying a great year, and others struggling.  When it comes to the Idaho dairy sector, Rick Naerebout says this was a pretty good year for the average producer.   “...

Strong agricultural prices continue to support the farm economy, but the rapid rise in production expenses could pressure profit margins.  That’s pushing the demand for farm financing higher.  Larger-sized operating loans are continuing to boost farm lending activity.  The Kansas City Fed sai...

Leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee recently urged the Department of Agriculture to expand margin protection tools under the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.  Citing record high input costs and extreme volatility in commodity prices, Senators Debbie Stabenow and John Boozman said the expansion would “allow producers the opportunity to familiarize themselves with these tools and bette

A well over 7% drop in what livestock and poultry producers received price wise in August, drove USDA’s overall price index off 1.8% for the month.  Rod Bain breaks down the numbers.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.co...

In early September, the USDA released its 2022 Farm Sector Income Forecast, which showed a mixed bag for the farm economy.  ERS predicts producer cash receipts will increase 21% to more than $525 billion nationally.  Crop values are expected to increase 9% year-over-year, while cash receipts from animal production will be up 28% from 2021 numbers.   Despite el...

The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index fell in August to a reading of 44, six points below growth neutral.  Creighton University’s Dr. Ernie Goss, notes this is the fifth-straight month of a declining index.   “Our survey of bank CEOs in rural areas in 10 states, for the month of August, the bank CEOs reported that the economy, for the third-straight month, the index is below growth neutr

Year-over-year consumer inflation in July was 8.5%, down from the 9.1% we saw in June.  The month-over-month inflation was 0%, though that was largely the result of a 4.6% drop in energy prices.  Food prices reported a nearly 11% year over year increase in July, with a 1% month-over-month jump.   ...

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer farmer sentiment index rose six points in July to a reading of 103.  Producers were somewhat more optimistic about both their current and future economic conditions on their farms compared to June.  Ev...

Late last week, USDA released its latest Ag Prices Report, and to no one’s surprise, there were two key topics of discussion.  The rising commodity prices received by farmers in June, and the rising cost of inputs.  Gary Crawford breaks down the details.   If you...