October prices received by growers and ranchers declined from September but are running substantially ahead of last year, according to the Nov. 30 Agricultural Prices report from the USDA.
The October Prices Received Index 2011 Base (agricultural production), at 127.7, decreased 2.7% from September but increased 20% from October 2021.
The report said producers received lower prices during October for corn, soybeans, potatoes and broilers, but higher prices for lettuce, milk, strawberries and eggs.
The fruit and nut October index, at 157.3, is up 2.1% from September and 18% from a year earlier. Price increases during October for apples, grapefruit and lemons more than offset price declines for pears, the report said.
The vegetable and melon October index, at 238.9, is up 49% from the previous month and 24% from October 2021. Price increases during October for lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower more than offset price declines for potatoes and onions, the report said.
The USDA said the October Prices Paid Index for commodities and services, interest, taxes and farm wage rates, at 137, is up 0.3% from September 2022 and 12% from October 2021.
Higher prices in October for self-propelled machinery, supplements, mixed fertilizer and herbicides more than offset lower prices for complete feeds, concentrates, feed grains and feeder pigs, the report said.
