The Farm Product Price Index rose 4.0% in June compared with the same month one year earlier. This increase was mainly due to the gain in the cattle and calves index (+17.5%), which more than offset the declines in the indexes of hogs (-6.4%) and total crops (-0.2%).
Higher prices for cattle and calves contribute to the gain in the total livestock and animal products index
In June, the total livestock and animal products index was up 8.2%, continuing an uninterrupted trend of monthly year-over-year increases that began in February 2021. Compared with June 2025, the cattle and calves index rose 17.5% in June 2026 on higher prices for cattle and calves, a result of strong global demand for beef, veal and live cattle and calves. The increase of the cattle and calves index outweighed the decline of the hogs index (-6.4%), mainly contributing to the gain of the total livestock and animal products index.
Increases in the indexes of eggs in shell (+4.5%), unprocessed milk (+2.5%) and chickens, turkeys, chicks and poults (+2.3%) also supported the gain of the livestock and animal products index.
Strong oilseeds prices moderate decline in total crops index
In June, the total crops index was down 0.2% year over year, mainly due to lower prices for most grains and specialty crops. A robust supply of key specialty crops and major grains put downward pressure on prices compared with the same period in 2025.
The specialty crops index dropped 21.9% in June 2026 compared with the same month the previous year. Lower prices for chickpeas (-37.1%), lentils (-24.9%), dry beans (-22.6%) and dry peas (-19.1%) drove down the specialty crops index.
The grains index posted a 4.0% year-over-year decrease in June on lower prices for all major grains, except corn (+3.4%). Oats (-17.5%) and durum (-16.7%) recorded the largest year-over-year price declines.
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