The value of U.S. agricultural exports jumped...

The value of U.S. agricultural exports jumped 26% to a four-year high of $35.2 billion in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, the Agriculture Department said. Actual quantities of grain and other commodities totaled 147.5 million metric tons, up 14% from 129.2 million tons shipped in 1986-87 when the value was $27.9 billion. The new figures were up from the previous forecast issued on Aug. 25, when the value was projected at $34 billion and the volume at 146 million tons. Despite the sharp gains, the year’s totals were still far below the record levels of $43.8 billion and 162.3 million tons in 1980-81.