Farm Expenses Increased Nearly 20 Percent in 2012

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Production expenses rose about 20 percent for farmers in the Great Plains last year.

The Agriculture Department says production expenses in the region totaled $88.8 billion in 2012, up from $73.8 billion in 2011.

The region includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

Farm production expenses nationally rose about 10 percent over the year, to $351.8 billion.