Overall, milk prices rose by 6.2% in October and now stand 4.6% higher than at the same time last year. Pig prices were back slightly, but remained 12.5% higher than in October 2015.
Cattle prices, however, were down 2.7% on the previous month and 7.8% on the previous year. Calves, in particular, are now worth 18.4% less than last year.
Crop output continued to fall and is now 3% lower than last year. This is especially true of potatoes, which are now worth 17.7% less than in October 2015.
The poultry sector was broadly stable and all categories are now showing less volatility than in previous month.
Input prices
The cost of agricultural inputs, too, was broadly stable in October compared with September – but 4.3% lower than last year. Fuel was the only category showing a significant increase, with prices 2.6% higher than in September and soon catching up on last year.
Feed prices were back slightly (-0.4%) and fertiliser remained stable, more than 20% cheaper than last year.
The resulting farmers’ margin flatlined in October, with the terms of trade index increasing by just 0.2%.
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Farmer writes: don’t get fooled by income cheques
Overall, milk prices rose by 6.2% in October and now stand 4.6% higher than at the same time last year. Pig prices were back slightly, but remained 12.5% higher than in October 2015.
Cattle prices, however, were down 2.7% on the previous month and 7.8% on the previous year. Calves, in particular, are now worth 18.4% less than last year.
Crop output continued to fall and is now 3% lower than last year. This is especially true of potatoes, which are now worth 17.7% less than in October 2015.
The poultry sector was broadly stable and all categories are now showing less volatility than in previous month.
Input prices
The cost of agricultural inputs, too, was broadly stable in October compared with September – but 4.3% lower than last year. Fuel was the only category showing a significant increase, with prices 2.6% higher than in September and soon catching up on last year.
Feed prices were back slightly (-0.4%) and fertiliser remained stable, more than 20% cheaper than last year.
The resulting farmers’ margin flatlined in October, with the terms of trade index increasing by just 0.2%.
Read more
Farmer writes: don’t get fooled by income cheques
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