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
RFD-TV tax expert Roger McEowen discusses the renewed tax provision and how cattle producers can take advantage of it to recover investments in heifer retention and herd expansion more quickly.
October 30, 2025 01:23 PM
·
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
October 30, 2025 12:56 PM
·
Prepare for softer milk checks into winter, watch cull-cow values and timing, and stress-test cash flow as product prices recalibrate.
October 29, 2025 03:11 PM
·
Cattle markets are collapsing this week, and analysts say that several factors are at play. Consumer beef prices also remain near all-time highs, threatening long-term demand.
October 29, 2025 12:58 PM
·
Input costs are top of mind for farmers, as they contribute to higher prices and smaller profits.
October 28, 2025 12:00 PM
·
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
October 28, 2025 11:28 AM
·
Harvest Marches on as River Logistics And Inputs Steer Bids
October 27, 2025 04:09 PM
·
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.
October 27, 2025 01:00 PM
·
Farmers display a unique optimism — planting with the expectation that weather, basis, and prices will improve by harvest — asserting that the profession is an identity, not just a job.
October 27, 2025 12:12 PM
·
