WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. farm price relationships weakened further at the end of 2025 as prices received by producers declined while costs continued to climb, tightening margins across much of agriculture. USDA’s December Agricultural Prices report (PDF Version) shows broad pressure on livestock values alongside modest relief in select crop markets.
The December Prices Received Index fell 3.1 percent from November and 4.6 percent from a year earlier. Crop prices were mixed, with the Crop Production Index down 2.4 percent month to month but still 3.4 percent above December 2024. Livestock prices drove most of the decline, with the Livestock Production Index dropping 5.7 percent from November and 13 percent from a year ago. Lower prices for cattle, milk, eggs, and lettuce outweighed gains in broilers, corn, grapes, and calves.
At the same time, input costs continued to rise. The Prices Paid Index increased 0.3 percent from November and stood 8.5 percent higher than a year earlier. Higher costs for feeder cattle, feeder pigs, nitrogen, and concentrates offset lower fuel, feed, and forage prices.
The ratio of prices received to prices paid slipped to 79, underscoring ongoing margin stress.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Falling livestock prices combined with higher input costs continue to squeeze farm profitability heading into 2026.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, November 17, 2025.
November 17, 2025 05:05 PM
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National Pork Board Chief Sustainability Officer Jamie Burr shares a closer look at the Pork Checkoff’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, a research program to increase trust in the pork supply chain.
November 17, 2025 02:03 PM
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Brooks York with Agrisompo joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with some guidance on how producers can navigate their crop insurance claims for unsold grain crops.
November 17, 2025 01:46 PM
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For many farm businesses, property taxes on business assets have become a significant and highly visible expense, threatening liquidity, discouraging investment, and creating a disproportionate burden when compared to other industries.
November 17, 2025 01:34 PM
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Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.
November 17, 2025 01:24 PM
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Strong U.S. yields and steady demand leave most major crops well supplied, keeping price pressure in place unless usage strengthens or weather shifts outlooks.
November 17, 2025 01:17 PM
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