Farmer sentiment improved in February; the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index increased from 113 points in January to 116. The Current Conditions Index increased by 11 points, while the Future Expectations Index decreased 1 point. The Future Expectations Index this month was 45 points less than the previous year’s February index, reaching its worst level since September 2024. Although concerns about agricultural exports moderated somewhat from the previous month, they are still more than those expressed in December. In addition, the percentage of respondents who think the United States is headed in the “right direction” declined for the second month in a row. The February barometer survey took place Feb. 2-6.
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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.
