Little change in latest ag prices report

Corn and soy prices remained well below last year’s numbers in April, continuing a trend that started in February, despite some mild upward motion in prices.

The average price received by farmers for corn during April 2024 in Iowa was $4.50 per bushel according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service — Agricultural Prices report. That’s seven cents above the March price but $2.25 below April 2023.

The April 2024 average price received by farmers for soybeans, at $12.10 per bushel, was 40 cents above the March price but $2.70 below the April 2023 price.

All hay prices in Iowa averaged $169.00 per ton in April. This was $11.00 above the March price but $10.00 below the April 2023 price. The April 2024 alfalfa hay price, at $177.00, was $13.00 above the previous month but $6.00 below April 2023. The average price received for other hay during April was $149.00 per ton. This was $10.00 above the March price but $19.00 below April last year.

As for livestock, Iowa calves in April went for $318 per hundredweight, $10 less than in March, but $74 above April 2023. Beef cows and cull dairy cows fetched $130 per hundredweight in April of 2024, $11 more than the previous month and $30.70 above the previous year.

Most other meat and egg prices changed little from March, and remained slightly above 2023 levels. Sows went for $62.50 per hundredweight in April, $2 lower than in March, but $21.30 higher than last April. Table eggs went from $2.15 a dozen in March of 2024 to $1.79 in April. Both numbers come in above $1.25 prices in April of 2023.

The average price for milk was $19.00 per cwt, 10 cents below the March price and 50 cents below April 2023.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com