The USDA says producers made and paid more in May than in April.
The department’s index of prices received was up 3.9% on the month, with a 2.3% gain in the crop index and a 5.4% jump in the livestock index as higher prices for cattle, hogs, broilers, and oranges canceled out lower prices for corn, milk, market eggs, and potatoes. The index of prices paid was 0.1% higher, with increased costs for feeder cattle, hay and forages, nitrogen, and LP gas against decreases for feeder pigs, complete feeds, supplements, and other services.
