Ag Barometer Readings: Farmer sentiment improves as interest rate expectations shift

The latest Ag Economy Barometer has been released and it shows that farmer sentiment has improved as interest rate expectations shift.

The barometer improved in March, pushing the reading up 3 points to a reading of 114. The Index of Current Conditions came in 2 points below last month at 101.
While the Index of Future Expectations climbed to 120, 5 points higher than in February.

That split was driven primarily by farmers’ perception of their financial condition and how they expect that to improve over the next year.

Farm Financial Performance was down 1 point at a reading of 83.

Purdue University Professor of Ag Economics, Dr. Jim Mintert spoke with RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender on contributing factors to the shift, his big takeaways, and what to expect moving forward.

Related Stories
New data from ag-tech company Bushel suggests younger producers are beginning to play a larger role in farm decision-making across the country.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune says senators are trying to align the E15 effort with broader Farm Bill negotiations as producers continue grappling with weak farm income and elevated costs.
USDA says weather damage in key Robusta-growing regions is tightening supplies and lowering export expectations.
USDA says federal biofuel policy and growing renewable diesel capacity are increasing demand for feedstocks.
USDA says growing soybean output and expanding biofuel demand are helping drive the increase.