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
Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Brian Kuehl shares more about the tour to gather farmers’ insights on the economic challenges they face in the ag economy.
Expect modest relief on several produce lines, mixed protein trends into holiday buying, and softer veg-oil costs — a good week to sharpen forward buys selectively.
USDA will meet part of November SNAP benefits under court direction, citing insufficient funds for full payments.
According to the new report, seven out of ten rural bankers support President Trump’s recent trade steps with China, expressing cautious optimism about future export potential.
Laramie Sandquist discusses Nationwide Agribusiness’s commitment to grain bin safety initiatives, including providing life-saving equipment and training to fire departments across the country.