Farmers concerned about ag economy
Close to two-thirds of farmers and ranchers continue to be concerned about the overall agriculture economy and their individual farm’s outlook, according to a survey by Rabobank.

The outlook for economic recovery has worsened slightly when compared to the previous survey period, the survey finds. The Rural Confidence Index, which is calculated as the percentage expecting the agricultural economy to improve minus the percentage expecting conditions to worsen over the next 12 months, indicates that the confidence in the U.S. agricultural economy remains low at this point in time, as there are proportionately more farmers who are pessimistic than farmers who are optimistic.

According to the survey, 30 percent of farmers and ranchers are very concerned and 31 percent extremely concerned, with another 34 percent saying they are somewhat concerned. Regardless of acreage, U.S. producers are more distressed regarding their income. Approximately 40 percent of those surveyed believe their income will be worse next year. However, 27 percent of respondents have some optimism that their income will improve.
Source: AFBF Executive Newswatch, Oct. 6, 2009

Farm prices flat in September
The Agriculture Department’s preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers in September shows average prices farmers received for their products remained flat from the August level, but are 18 percent lower than September of last year.

Prices rose for milk, onions, grapes and apples, but fell for wheat, soybeans, barley and potatoes. Increased monthly sales of soybeans, corn, apples, and peanuts offset decreased sales of cattle, broilers, wheat and grapes.

The September corn price, at $3.32 per bushel, is down 1 cent from last month and $1.69 below September 2008. The September soybean price is $9.85 per bushel, down 95 cents from August 2009 and September 2008. The September all wheat price is $4.30 per bushel, down 53 cents from August 2009 and $3.13 below September 2008.
Source: AFBF; Executive Newswatch, Sept. 30, 2009

Farming is a dangerous job
Farming was ranked as the sixth most dangerous job, according to the Bureau of Labor statistics. Fishermen, pilots and navigators, loggers, structural metal workers and waste management workers made up the top five. Reasons cited: Farmers frequently work alone, operate large machinery, clock long hours and are always under pressure.
Source: Doane’s Agriculture, Sept. 25, 2009 Vol.72, No. 39-1