Canada’s farmers are earning less money this year than last for the goods they produce.
Figures released last week by Statistics Canada show that prices for virtually all Canadian farm products have fallen during the past year.
The value of cereal grains, oilseeds, pulses and special crops, fresh fruit, vegetables, cattle and calves, hogs and eggs all declined between July 2008 and July 2009.
Of 11 farm commodities surveyed, only potatoes, poultry and dairy products increased in value.
The statistics also suggest that prairie farmers are likely to bear the brunt of the price reductions.
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According to Stats Canada, the value of cereal grains including wheat barley and oats fell 18.7 percent, the value of special crops was down 21.5 percent and the value of oilseeds fell 31 percent during the past year.
Livestock prices were also lower.
The value for cattle and calves fell 7.1 percent since last year and hog prices dropped another 8.7 percent, adding further pain to an industry already in peril.
Historical hog prices paint a clear picture of the troubles facing Canada’s pig farmers.
Since Statistics Canada began publishing the Farm Product Price Index in 1997, hog prices have declined 33 percent.
That means live pigs or swine-related animal products that were worth $100 in 1997 are now worth $67.10.
Cattle and calf prices have fared slightly better over the past 12 years.
Beef animals worth $100 in 1997 were worth $100.40 in July 2009.
Last week’s figures were part of a monthly survey that monitors farm commodity prices across the country.
