Ag Economic Barometer: Despite ag trade uncertainty, farmer sentiment is strong for the year ahead

Dr. Jim Mintert of Purdue University spoke with RFD-TV’s Suzanne Alexander about contributing factors, producer opinions on trade policy, and the reading’s big takeaways.

Despite ag trade uncertainty, farmers still have an optimistic outlook for the year ahead, according to the latest Ag Economy Barometer, which rose five points from the previous month.

Dr. Jim Mintert of Purdue University spoke with RFD-TV’s Suzanne Alexander about contributing factors, producer opinions on trade policy, and the reading’s big takeaways.

Related Stories
The newly elected Executive Vice President of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA), Dale Parker, joins us on-set to share his vision for his state’s cattle industry.
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
SDRP Stage 2 now helps producers recover shallow, uninsured losses from major 2023–2024 disasters, with streamlined sign-ups open through April 30.
Tyson’s capacity cuts weaken local basis, tighten kill space, and heighten dependence on imports, signaling more volatility for producers.