​The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently reported its expectations for 2018 net farm income, which included a forecast for a $4.3 billion, or 6.7%, decline to $59.5 billion. At $59.5 billion, this represents the lowest nominal income level since 2006. Similarly, inflation-adjusted, or “real” dollar, net farm income is expected to decline $5.4 billion, or 8.3%, from 2017, which is the lowest real-dollar level since 2002. Net cash farm income, which differs from net farm income by excluding certain non-cash items such as depreciation, is forecasted to decrease $6.7 billion, or 6.8%. 

According to the National Retail Federation, approximately 188.5 million people will watch the New England Patriots face the Philadelphia Eagles in Tom Brady’s eighth Super Bowl appearance. At $81.17 per person, the $15.3 billion is 8.5% above last year’s $14.1 billion.