WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA (RFD NEWS) — Producers who expect farmland values to rise are also showing a much stronger outlook on current conditions and farm finances. Purdue University’s March 2026 Ag Economy Barometer analysis said land value expectations are lining up closely with broader differences in producer confidence.
The March barometer index stood at 127. About 35 percent of respondents expected land values to be higher a year from now, while roughly 10 percent expected values to be lower. Those expecting higher land values were generally more optimistic across the survey.
That gap was clear in investment and income expectations. Producers expecting lower land values posted a Farm Capital Investment Index of 34 and a Financial Performance Index of 93. Those expecting higher land values posted readings of 72 and 111.
High input costs were the biggest concern for both groups, but they carried more weight for producers expecting weaker land values. Livestock producers also made up a much larger share of the group, expecting land prices to rise.
The report said producers expecting lower land values pointed to net farm income as the biggest influence, while those expecting higher values were more likely to cite alternative investments.
The upcoming Ag Economy Barometer for April will be released next Tuesday, May 5.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Farmland outlook is tracking closely with producer confidence, investment appetite, and financial expectations.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
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