Agriculture prices down from 2016

Agriculture prices have tanked from 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In 2016, wheat was $5.80 a bushel. Now, it is priced at $4.35, with a difference of $1.45.

Potatoes, wheat and cattle are just some of the things that are cheap right now. This is great for consumers but not so great for farmers, according to Wayne Jones, the Bonneville County Extension Educator.

“Everything is low. It’s a tough year to be in, in the farming business because of the prices but hopefully this year will turn around and we can get some better prices for the crops,” Jones said.

Jones said most fields are going to be okay, depending on Mother Nature.

“Some fields, they stay too wet, too long and there could be some disease issues. As long as growers wait until the ground dries up, there shouldn’t be much of a problem getting those in,” Jones said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said in April 2016, cattle prices were $151 per 100 weight. In October, it was $141 and now, prices are $131 per 100 weight. That is a $20 difference. It might not seem like much now but it definitely adds up later!

Potatoes are also down for U.S. No. 1s. A 50-count box is down 13 percent from 2016 and 43 percent from 2015.

Commodity broker, Clark Johnson, who is stationed in Utah said it is not just weather, it is also about supply and demand.

“The supply is quite a bit more than the demand this year. The two big flour mills in Ogden, Utah, for instance, have been able to buy their needs without really having to increase their bids,” Johnson said.