Farmer sentiment weakened slightly in December; the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index decreased just 3 points in December to a reading of 136. Weakness in the barometer was attributable to a modest decline in producer long-term outlook; the Future Expectations Index decreased to 140, 4 points less than a month earlier. Meanwhile, the Current Conditions Index, at 128, was unchanged from November’s reading. Angst about prospects for U.S. soybean exports amid increasing competition from Brazil contributed to a slightly weaker outlook for the future among crop producers. The December barometer survey took place Dec. 1-5, 2025.
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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.
