01/11/06 2005 was record setting year for ID ag

Idaho farmers rolled up a record four and a half billion dollars in cash receipts in 2005. University of Idaho ag economist Garth Taylor prepared the annual report that shows the increase was fueled by stronger dairy, cattle and potato prices. Overall cash receipts rose four percent in 2005 from a strong showing in 2004. Increases in fertilizer and fuel costs offset the sales gains however, reducing net farm income by four percent. Dairy receipts rose to $1.46 billion, a seven percent increase from 2004. Cattle and calf sales generated $1.14 billion, an eight percent increase. Sales of other livestock dipped to $111 million, down $2 million from 2004. Idaho`s cash receipts for potatoes improved by six percent to $535 million in 2005 to lead the crop sector. Overall, crop cash receipts totaled $1.794 billion, a four percent drop from 2004. Cash receipts from sugarbeets dropped 11 percent to $192 million and barley receipts dropped 10 percent to $147 million. In real terms of net farm cash receipts or those adjusted for inflation, 2005 ranked as the best year since 1974. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott