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.
Beef is leading the decline as slaughter drops and supplies tighten.
April 30, 2026 05:01 PM
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Chad Fiechter joins us to discuss Purdue’s precision ag study, challenges in capturing value from technology, and what farmers should consider when investing in and adopting these tools.
April 30, 2026 04:40 PM
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The trip is giving them a firsthand look at farming beyond the U.S.
April 30, 2026 03:12 PM
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Ethanol demand held together last week, but lower production and thinner stocks put more focus on export strength. Production capacity is also strengthening over time and benefiting soybean farmers.
April 30, 2026 01:38 PM
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Expanded export financing could provide greater support for ag sales abroad if buyers and lenders use the additional tools.
April 30, 2026 12:38 PM
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Authorities say the drones were recovered during a routine inspection after being stolen last month.
April 30, 2026 12:23 PM
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