USA: North Dakota barley prices continue to climb

The Index of Prices Received for All Farm Products for North Dakota in the month of July was reported to be 114 percent of the 1990-1992 base, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service field office in Fargo. This is up five percent from last month's figures and three percent from last year's figures, but off five percent from two years ago, Farm & Ranch Guide released August 17.

The All Crops Index of 116 percent represents a seven percent climb from last month and five percent more than a year ago, while the All Livestock and Products Index declined two percent from last month to 106 percent, which is down four percent from last year's figures. The July figures were calculated using preliminary mid-month prices.

The June Index of Prices Received for All Farm Products, recalculated with full month prices, was 108 percent of the base, down one percent from May and down four percent from June 2005. The All Crop Index of 109 percent was five percent higher than May's figure, but down two percent from last year. The All Livestock and Products Index for June 2006 was calculated at 106 percent, down from 119 percent in May and nine percent lower than last year's rating.

Looking at July preliminary commodity prices for North Dakota: on may observe that feed barley was off six cents per bushel, but malting barley prices rose a penny to $2.35 per bushel.

All Farm Prices nationwide remained steady from last month at 117 percent, but were down one percent from July 2005. The All Crops Index was pegged at 123 percent, a decline of three percent from last month, but eight percent higher than a year ago, while the All Livestock and Products Index remained constant from last month at 110 percent, but was seven percent lower than last year's figures.

18 August, 2006