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
Producers may need to prepare for margin pressure in livestock feeding, while dairy farmers could benefit from stronger product demand.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today issued a new memorandum to modernize and strengthen America’s wildfire prevention and response system.
National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust said farmers face a challenging year with strong supply, murky trade conditions, and uncertain access to their largest market: China.
Rather than making “cuts” to SNAP, as has been claimed, the One Big Beautiful Bill merely modifies the program’s funding structure.
Tariffs are pushing up input costs, with fertilizer prices rising $100 per ton and machinery costs climbing due to steel and parts duties.
Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.