Farm Income Forecast Sees Big Jump from 2010
Ag secretary says the forecast shows the continued strength of American agriculture.
Compiled by staff
Published: Nov 29, 2011
The 2011 Farm Income Forecast has been released by the USDA's Economic Research Service and projects net farm income at $100.9 billion for 2011. That is up $21.8 billion from last year, an increase of 28%. The 2011 inflation-adjusted forecasts of net value added of agriculture to the U.S. economy and net cash income are the highest values recorded since 1974.
"Today's farm income forecast shows that the American brand of agriculture continues to be a bright spot in our nation's economy," Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said. "Following on a strong 2010, all three measures of farm sector earnings again experienced strong growth in 2011.According to today's numbers, farmers are earning 28% more for their products than they made last year. And it is making a real difference for America's farm families, whose household income was up 3.1% in 2010 and is forecasted to increase 1.2% in 2011. This is good news for rural America and for our national economy."
According to Vilsack the growth in cash receipts, off-farm employment and $137.4 billion in ag exports for Fiscal Year 2011 are some of the factors that made these numbers possible.
"A strong U.S. agricultural economy means more opportunities for small businesses owners and jobs for folks who package, ship, and market agricultural products," Vilsack said. "Our farmers and ranchers have worked hard to keep their debt low and to capitalize on a broader economic recovery. Their willingness to adapt, innovate and embrace new research and technologies has ensured their success and can be a blueprint for the rest of the country's economic recovery."
Vilsack says the Obama Administration will continue to maintain a strong safety net for American farm families. He says that some of the ways that can be accomplished is through expanding bio-based product opportunities, local and regional food systems, and by promoting greater export opportunities for U.S. agriculture.
To view the 2011 Farm Income Forecast click HERE.
Permalink: Click here
Tagged: farm, usda
|