WASHINGTON – The preliminary Farm Prices Received by Farmers Index for June climbed three points, or 1.7 percent compared to May, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

The Crop Index increased 2 points, or 1.0 percent and the Livestock Index increased 1 point, or 0.7 percent, according to NASS. Producers received higher prices for hogs, eggs, oranges and broccoli and lower prices for hay, corn, soybeans, and broilers. In addition to prices, the overall index is also affected by the seasonal change based on a three-year average mix of commodities producers sell. Increased monthly movement of wheat and hay offset the decline in marketing of oranges, corn, cattle, and strawberries, NASS said.

The June index for prices received by farmers for livestock and products was at 152, which was 0.7 percent above May but down 0.7 percent from June 2011. Prices are higher for cattle, broilers, calves, turkeys, and eggs compared with a year ago. However, prices for milk and hogs are down from 2011, NASS said.

The June index for prices received by farmers for meat animals increased 1.3 percent to 161, which is 10 percent higher, compared to the comparable period in 2011, according to NASS data. The June hog price, at $66.90 per cwt, is up $4.10 from May but $2.80 lower than a year ago. The June beef cattle price of $122 per cwt was flat but $15.00 higher compared to June 2011.

The June index for prices received by farmers for poultry and eggs climbed 0.6 percent from the May figure to 164, and 5.8 percent above a year ago. The June market egg price, at 68.8 cents per dozen, advanced 9.4 cents from May and is 0.1 cent above June 2011. The June broiler price, at 52.0 cents per lb., declined 1.0 cent from May but is 3.0 cents above a year ago. The June turkey price, at 73.9 cents per lb., rose 1.3 cents from the previous month and 4.4 cents above a year earlier, NASS said.

The June index for prices paid by farmers for feed, at 257, increased 1.2 percent from May and 11 percent from June 2011, according to NASS. Since May, higher prices for complete feeds, concentrates, and supplements more than offset lower prices for hay and forages and feed grains, the agency said.

The June index for prices paid by farmers for livestock and poultry was at 173, an increase of 0.6 percent from May and 19 percent from June 2011, NASS said. Since May, higher prices for feeder cattle offset lower prices for feeder pigs. The June feeder cattle price, at $154.70 per cwt, is up $1.00 per cwt compared to the May price, NASS said. June feeder pigs averaged $121.00 per cwt, down $6.00 per cwt from May.