Ag Prices - Up in March

From the USDA Ag Prices Report:

The preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers inMarch, at 126 percent, based on 1990-92=100, was unchanged from February.The Crop Index is up 1 point (0.7 percent) but the Livestock Index decreased1 point (0.9 percent). Producers received higher prices for corn, lettuce,snap beans, and tomatoes and lower prices for broilers, soybeans,strawberries, and celery. In addition to prices, the overall index is alsoaffected by the seasonal change based on a 3-year average mix of commoditiesproducers sell. Increased monthly marketings of strawberries, broilers,soybeans, and milk offset decreased marketings of cattle, corn, cotton, andoranges.
The preliminary All Farm Products Index is down 20 points (14 percent) fromMarch 2008. The Food Commodities Index, at 121, decreased 1 point(0.8 percent) from last month and decreased 23 points (16 percent) fromMarch 2008.


Fruits & Nuts: The March index, at 124, is up 2.5 percent from February but16 percent lower than a year ago. The increase in marketings of strawberriesmore than offset price decreases for strawberries, apples, oranges, andgrapefruit.
Commercial Vegetables: The March index, at 146, is up 7.4 percent from lastmonth and 9.0 percent above March 2008. Price increases during March forlettuce, snap beans, tomatoes, and sweet corn more than offset price declinesfor celery, onions, and broccoli.
Potatoes & Dry Beans: The March index, at 155, is up 1.3 percent from lastmonth and 5.4 percent above March 2008. The all potato price, at $9.07 percwt, is up 20 cents from February and 70 cents from last March. The all drybean price, at $28.80 per cwt, is down $1.30 from the previous month and$3.40 below March 2008.