The preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers in October, at 135 percent, based on 1990-92=100, increased 9 points (7.1 percent) from September.  The Crop Index is up 11 points (7.7 percent) and the Livestock Index increased 1 point (0.9 percent).  Producers received higher prices for lettuce, corn, milk, and broccoli and lower prices for broilers, cattle, snap beans, and cucumbers. 

In addition to prices, the overall index is also affected by the seasonal change based on a 3-year average mix of commodities producers sell.  Increased monthly marketings of soybeans, corn, cotton, and cottonseed offset decreased marketings of milk, wheat, grapes, and sweet corn.

The preliminary All Farm Products Index is down 15 points (10 percent) from October 2008.  The Food Commodities Index, at 135, increased 9 points (7.1 percent) from last month but decreased 13 points (8.8 percent) from October 2008.

                          Prices Paid Index Unchanged                          

The October Index of Prices Paid for Commodities and Services, Interest, Taxes, and Farm Wage Rates (PPITW) is 175 percent of the 1990-92 average.  The index is unchanged from September but 12 points (6.4 percent) below October 2008.  Lower prices in October for concentrates, potash & phosphorus, complete feeds, and feeder cattle offset higher prices for feeder pigs, feed grains, herbicides, and LP gas.