News

March USDA ag price indices mixed

Farmers made less in March than February, while paying slightly more.

The USDA’s index of ag prices received was down 3.1% on the month as lower prices for milk, market eggs, oranges, and strawberries canceled out higher moves in calves, turkeys, broilers, and lettuce.

The USDA’s dairy index for March 2025 was down 6.7% from February, but up 6.8% from March 2024, with an all milk price of $22 per hundredweight, a decline of $1.60 on the month, but a gain of $1.40 on the year.

The index of prices paid saw a fractional gain on increased costs for feeder cattle, potash, phosphate, hay and forages, and other services against decreases in feeder pigs, diesel, LP gas, and complete feeds.

Year-to-year, the index of prices received was up 17% and the index of prices paid was 4.8% higher, but the index of prices paid remains above prices received, reflecting ongoing losses for some U.S. producers.