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
Animal Health Officials Working Quickly to Protect U.S. Livestock and Wildlife
The bovine case was detected in a three-month-old calf in Zavala County, Texas.
Funding will support studies focused on production challenges, crop management and new opportunities for growers.
The trip gave researchers a firsthand look at Brazil’s massive sugarcane industry and production practices.
The family operation offers farm-raised meats, fresh produce, and an on-site market for visitors.