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VHiat has happened to farm prices and purchasing power? The 

 farmer is interested in actual prices because they affect his net 

 income and ability to pay debts, taxes and interest which change very 

 slowly. His greatest interest lies, however, in changes in prices he 

 receives in relation to his expenses and in the volume of goods he has 

 to sell. 



In general Illinois farmers had a large volume of products 

 to sell at favorable prices. Corn yielded 52.5 bushels in Illinois 

 compared to ^3.0 bushels in 19^ and 36.2 bushels for the 10-year 

 average 1930-39. Other yields were as follows (19^1, 19^0> and 10-year 

 average in that order): Wheat, 20.0 bu. (22.5) (ig.O); oats, ^^3.0 bu. 

 ik-^.O) (30.2); hay, 1.3^ tons (I.30) (I.23); and soybeans, 21.5 bu. 

 (17.5) (l9*l)- There was also heavy production of apples, peaches, 

 and pears in Illinois in 19^1* 



Illinois farm prices for November 15, 19^1, were from 12^ 

 above November I5, 19^0, for beef cattle to almost 72% above for soy- 

 beans and hogs. The price of apples was slightly lower in 19^1 because 

 of the large crop this year and small crop in 19^0. 



When measured as a percentage of parity, U. S. farm prices 

 varied greatly during the year. As of November, 19^1, hog prices as 

 percentage of parity gained 33 points over the November 19^0 figure. 

 Other items more nearly approaching parity during the year were: 

 potatoes (gain I6 points); eggs (+1^); turkeys (+I3); apples (+11); 

 wheat (+9); oats (+9); barley (+5); rye (+6); butterfat (+5); chickens 

 (+5); 9J^d hay (+3)* Beef cattle were 119^ of parity in both November, 

 19^0, and November, 19^1, and corn declined one point. Rye was still 

 only 53^ of parity but rice, milk, beef cattle, veal calves, lambs, 

 wool, and some speciality crops were above parity November I5, 19^1* 

 Wool ranked highest at l^fO^ of parity. 



