The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer increased 4 points in October to a reading of 110. The modest improvement in farmer sentiment resulted from farmers’ improved perspective on current conditions on their farms as well as their expectations for the future. The Index of Current Conditions increased 3 points to 101 while the Index of Future Expectations increased 5 points to 114. Farmers in this month’s survey were a bit less concerned about the risk of reduced prices for crops and livestock, and felt somewhat better about farm financial situations than a month earlier. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted Oct. 16-20.
James Mintert
Michael Langemeier
James Mintert and Michael Langemeier are agricultural economists with Purdue University. Each month the Ag Economy Barometer from the Purdue University-Center for Commercial Agriculture surveys 400 U.S. agricultural producers to discern attitudes and sentiments regarding the status of the U.S. farm economy. Each quarter 100 agribusiness leaders are surveyed to provide additional insight into the health of the agricultural economy. Visit ag.purdue.edu for more information.
