June 5, 2007

Canada's March crop and livestock post gains as overall farm prices remain steady

Prices farmers received by Canadian farmers for their commodities jumped 9.4 percent in March compared to the same period last year, as most crop, livestock and animal product prices increased.

Crop prices were 17.9 percent higher in March than they were a year earlier, according to the Farm Product Price Index. Year-over-year crop prices rose for the seventh straight month, the fifth consecutive double-digit rise.

The livestock and animal product index climbed 4.1 percent in March, as gains were made in all commodities except eggs as its prices dropped to 1.8 percent.

Livestock price increases ranged from 2.1 per cent for cattle and calves to 6.6 per cent for hogs and poultry.

Prices farmers received for their commodities rose 1.6 per cent in March over February.