STEPHEN FORD GREGORY HANSON H. LOUIS MOORE ROBERT YONKERS PSU Extension Ag Economics STATE COLLEGE (Centre Co.) Further growth is in store for the United States economy during 1994. The most recent recession was not as severe as thought and the 1992 recovery was much stronger than reported a year ago. Gross domestic product grew by a surprising 4 percent for much of the 1992 period. However, growth prospects for 1993 have been scaled back from Figure 1. Ending stocks and farm prices received for U.S. corn from 1980 to 1993. BILLION BUSHELS 1981 source. USDA Ag Outlook, marketing year ends August 31 Air ATT ADI 12* wnmvftT Amm mr JL JRlCjm*/ A O JrA w AJHuITLJEvJLAJLJmL X AVJLf A HEAD 300 HEAD 600 UNITS SOW EXISTING PRODUCERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING: CONTACT FARMER BOT AG...YOUR PROFESSIONAL COMPANY 24 Hour Service Pennsylvania Ag Prognosis Good For 1994 earlier expectations. Gross domes tic product (GDP) growth for 1993 is expected to be about 2.S percent; Economic recovery has been characterized as being “stuck in‘low gear.” Unemployment continues to be a problem as employers try to increase output with smaller workforces. The modest recovery rate brought some side benefits. Consumer prices rose only 2.7 percent in the 12-month period ending Sept. 30. Commercial lending rates average 6 percent— their lowest levels in 25 years and should remain near current levels through the first half of 1994. 1985 • A STEADY MONTHLY CONTRACT INCOME. • EXCELLENT SUPPORT SERVICE BY CONTRACT COMPANY • SUPPLY OF HEALTHY FAST GROWING PIGS • EXCELLENT HEALTH & DISEASE PROGRAM SUPPORT • CUSTOM DESIGN • NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANNING • ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING YOUR FINANCING • SERVICING BUILDING PERMITS & INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS Check Our Warehouse Prices WE SHIP UPS 1990 YEAH FARMER BOY AG. 410 E. LINCOLN AVE. MYERSTOWN, PA 17067 CALL TODAY 717-866-7565 Looking farther ahead, 1994 could be a repeat of 1993. Eco nomic growth is projected to be 2.3 to 2.7 percent. Consumer prices will increase 3 percent or even less. Unemployment will change little from the current level of 6.8 percent, which is high by historical standards for this stage in an economic recovery. Feed Supplies Sharply Lower Agriculture had an unusual year during 1993. Drought in the Northeast and Southeast and record floods in the Midwest sharply reduced crop prospects. This was the first time that too CORN PRICE PER BUSHIL S 3 40 S 3 20 S 3 00 S 2 80 S 2 60 S 2 40 S 2 20 S 2 00 'SI 80 $1 60 SI 40 4 1994 * Proioclf (I much moisture reduced crap yields in such a large area of the country. November projections of the national com crap were 6.50 tril lion bushels, down 31 percent from last year’s record crop. Soy bean production in 1993 was expected to total 1.83 billion bushels, down 16 percent from last year. Com and soybean supplies will be tighter in 1994 than during the past year. Sizable stocks were car ried over from 1992 record crops. Com stocks on September 1, 1993, were at 2.1 billion bushels, nearly double a year earlier, but on September 1. 1994, they should total about 1.1 billion bushels Figure 2. Meat production in the United States from 1960 to 1993. - U'iOß I /■" /-r a* Ill' | | OTHER u | | m m - I - I - - \ I. 4 * ' T i 1 i i , i USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Lancaster Fanning, Saturday, January 1,1114-All ' N ■—r"** N// ; I PORK. I I ..i . m \ .* ** BflOlLEfls YEAR Hours: M-F 7:00-5:00; Sat. 7:30-11:30 (Figure. 1). Tightening supplies of com will support prices at IS- to SO-cents higher than during the past year. Higher prices will restrict com used for livestock feeding.by about 100 million bushels. Com exports have been drop ping sharply. Sales to Japan have been larger than a year ago but sale levels to the countries of the forma- Soviet Union have been sagging a reflection of instability and the lack of hard currency in those countries. Exports of com for the 1993-94 year are projected at 1.4 billion (Turn lo Pag* Al 3) ■\ 1 \ J" I .. '• .. J, 80 85 90 93 2000/ 3000 FINISHER BARNS Full Line Of Parts In Stock For Your Poultry And Hog Needs ml J • J