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.
CME Executive Director of Ag Research, Fred Seamon spoke with RFD-TV’s own Suzanne Alexander on what contributed to the shift, his thoughts on the report, and what to expect as planting season approaches.
The analysis models how trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz may continue to drive up the cost of fertilizer.
April 15, 2026 01:10 PM
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Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller joins us with an update on the most recent case of New World screwworm 90 miles from the U.S. Southern border.
April 15, 2026 11:40 AM
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Study looks at how triazine chemistry impacts effectiveness against resistant weeds
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With fewer young people entering agriculture and farmers nearing retirement, industry leaders warn of challenges ahead while working to keep farming profitable and sustainable.
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A late-season freeze in northeast Louisiana has forced farmers to replant thousands of corn acres, adding costs, straining seed supplies, and raising concerns about shifting to soybeans.
April 14, 2026 03:50 PM
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March 15 of each year is the application deadline for the Pima Cotton Trust, and March 1 of each year is the application deadline for the Wool Trust. The law mandates trust payments by April 15. More information about these programs is available at www.fas.usda.gov/programs.
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