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AGRICULTURAL PRICES. WHAT DO PRICES MEAN? SOYBEANS = $14.50. WHAT DO PRICES MEAN? PRICE OF NOVEMBER 2008 SOYBEANS = $14.50/BU. WHAT DO PRICES MEAN? PRICE OF NOVEMBER 2008 SOYBEANS = $14.50/BU Just part of the story. Price of competing crops (corn). Price of inputs (seed, fert).
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WHAT DO PRICES MEAN?PRICE OF NOVEMBER 2008 SOYBEANS = $14.50/BU
WHAT DO PRICES MEAN?PRICE OF NOVEMBER 2008 SOYBEANS = $14.50/BUJust part of the story.Price of competing crops (corn).Price of inputs (seed, fert).
AGRICULTURAL PRICES • ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT • POLITICALLY IMPORTANT
WELFARE OF CONSUMERS CME Milk
HOW ARE AGRICULTURAL PRICES DISCOVERED?THE ENTIRE SPECTRUM: COMPLETE GOVERNMENT REGULATION TO NEARLY PERFECT COMPETITION
Corn: Somewhat More Competitive MarketHogs: Even Less Government Involvement
Characteristics of Farm PricesThey tend to be more volatile than prices in other sectors of the economy.
They tend to be more volatile than prices in other sectors of the economy.
Time LagA considerable time lag often exists between when a producer makes a decision and when the output is ready for the market.
Production Lags Due to Biological Lags Months Swine Slaughter 30 5-6 Months Pig Born 3.75 months Gilt Bred 20 Slaughter 7-8 months 5-6 months Pig Born Pig Born 3.75 months 10 Gilt Bred 7-8 months 0 Pig Born
Production Lags Due to Biological Lags Cattle Months 50 Calf Born 9 Months Slaughter 40 Heifer Bred 17 – 19 Months 30 Calf Born Calf Born 9 Months 20 Heifer Bred 14 –18 Months 10 0 Calf Born
SUPPLYThe actual production of agricultural products can be effected by many variables.Weather DiseaseInsects
MARKET STRUCTUREAt the farm level – prices are discovered in a rather competitive market.
The Role of PricesInformationProvide information to producersfrom consumers.