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.
Leadership development and bipartisan engagement remain central to advancing agriculture’s priorities in 2026.
January 12, 2026 11:40 AM
·
This simple but powerful tool from Nutrien enables farmers to keep track of highly personalized input costs and expenses involved in running their operation.
January 12, 2026 09:00 AM
Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
January 09, 2026 11:00 AM
·
Prompt removal of Christmas trees and careful handling of decorations reduce winter fire risk during an already high-demand season for emergency services.
January 09, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
January 09, 2026 06:00 AM
·
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
January 08, 2026 02:45 PM
·
