The value of U.S. farm exports continued to drop.

Agriculture Department figures showed that the value of exports since the fiscal year began last Oct. 1 totaled $17.3 billion through April, down $4.1 billion, or 19%, from the same seven-month period of 1984-85. The net agricultural trade surplus of $5 billion during the period represented a 48% drop from the same seven months of 1984-85. Agency analysts say that U.S. shipments should pick up later this year. Nevertheless, the USDA said, farm exports may decline to $27.5 billion in the entire 1985-86 fiscal year, down 12% from last year’s $31.2 billion and 37% below the record of $43.8 billion in 1980-81.