Increases in crop-related and fuel/oil farm production expenses are forecast to level off in 2012

Total farm production expenses are forecast to rise $12.5 billion (3.9 percent) in 2012. This increase is far less than the $35.7-billion (12.5-percent) growth projected in 2011. The growth in crop-related expenses (seeds, fertilizer, pesticides), livestock-related expenses (feed, livestock/poultry purchases), and fuel and oil expenses are all expected to slow following a decade of very rapid expansion. This chart is found in the Farm Sector Income & Finances topic on the ERS website, updated February 13, 2012.