A recent survey from Purdue University shows farmer sentiment is slipping in rural America, and economists say today’s problems are very different than just months ago.
“Back in August, before the election, 22 percent of the respondents in the survey chose interest rate policy as one of their top concerns versus 20 percent choosing trade policy. Since the election, over 40 percent, an average of 43 percent, of the respondents to the survey have chosen trade policy as their top concern. While the percentage choosing interest rate policy as a top concern has been falling, and this month was just ten percent,” said James Mintert.
Right now, Mintert says interest rate policy is a top concern for just 10 percent of those who responded.
National Cotton Council’s Gary Adams joins us to discuss the USDA’s Great American Cotton Plan, crop conditions, prices, and efforts to boost domestic demand.
The agreement establishes a new system to monitor water deliveries to Texas and sets limits on how far Mexico can fall behind on its treaty obligations.
China’s expanding farm assistance in Cuba bears watching as food trade becomes part of regional influence.
Reduced slaughter numbers and stronger export demand are helping push livestock by-product values higher.
LSU economist Dr. Michael Deliberto says fewer planted acres could tighten supplies and support prices for producers.
The Rural Mainstreet Index remained below growth neutral for the fourth straight month as grain prices stay under pressure.