Ag Economy Barometer Drops After Recent Highs

“Uncertainty with respect to the level of support they could expect from USDA going forward.”

The latest ag economy barometer dropped this morning, showing a weakening farmers’ sentiment.

Farmer sentiment fell in June to 146, down 12 points compared to last month’s high. The decline has been attributed to producer concerns surrounding agricultural exports, with few optimistic about the future.

Despite declines, all three indices in the report remained well above year-ago levels.

Purdue University Professor of Ag Economics, Dr. Jim Mintert spoke with RFD-TV’s Suzanne Alexander about what drove the drop, how this compares to previous years, and what to expect moving forward.

Related Stories
Pork producers warn that proposed definitions of “ultra-processed” food in guidelines from the “Make America Healthy Again” plan could negatively impact industry-standard bacon, sausage, and feed practices.
Concerns over Chronic Wasting Disease are fueling a long-standing legal battle between Minnesota regulators and deer farmers. The case could soon reach the state’s Supreme Court with broader implications for agriculture.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) are praising the passage of a bill to delist gray wolves as an endangered species by the U.S. House last week.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg told RFD-TV News that we can only guess what Congress will do down the road. Still, the USDA recognizes its responsibility to spend resources efficiently and effectively.
Tight feeder supplies and lower placements indicate continued support for the cattle market, with regional impacts heightened in Texas by reduced feeder imports.
Michelle Perez shares more about the American Farmland Trust’s resource to help farmers and producers plan soil health improvements.