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Farm Production Costs Rising
By BIRGITT THORNHILL
Farm production costs are expected to continue rising in 1985. The rise will generally exceed the inflation rate, with any increase in market receipts offset by increases in input costs.
Fertilizer prices for all forms of nitrogen, phosphates and potash are expected to rise 6 percent by mid-year. However, there may be a regional decline in prices, due to expected declines in farm crop prices and the demand for farm foods.
Petroleum prices are expected to rise 4 percent in 1985. A 3 to 4 percent increase in farm demand of fuels is expected, but farm usage is so small compared to total usage that farm prices will be about the same as wholesale or rackj?rices.
Prices for farm machinery are expected to rise faster than for any other production input. Some models of front-wheel-drive assist tractors will show hefty price increases. Prices are also expected to rise nearly 10 percent on small horsepower tractors, many of which will be imports.
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