Crop producers may see their income fall as yields and prices return to normal after an exceptional year in 1996. Lower feed costs and higher calf prices should help boost profits in the livestock industry this year. Wages and Prices Labor markets were still tight last month, and there continued to be some evidence of wage pressures. Manufacturers report skilled and unskilled workers remained in short supply, and some companies say they have responded by increasing wages. Prices held steady at the retail level and for most manufacturing and construction materials.
Retailers expect no major price changes in coming months.
To comment on this site, please fill out our feedback form.