Ag Economy: Ag Economist Says Farming Still Relatively Strong

BOZEMAN – An agriculture economist says farming remains relatively strong compared to other sectors of the economy.

But Montana State University policy specialist George Haynes also points out that there are still several factors harming the industry.

He cited decreasing food sales, decreasing demand for wheat and beef domestically and abroad, and the depreciation of the dollar as worries.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that net farm income will fall by 30 to 40 percent this year.

But Haynes says things are looking better for next year.