About the Ag Economy Barometer

James Mintert, David Widmar and Michael Langemeier The Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer drifted lower in August to 132 points, down seven points from a month earlier, but still markedly stronger than a year ago when the index was just 95. The barometer, a sentiment index based on a monthly survey of 400 agricultural producers from across the U.S., dropped back near to the level observed from April through June of this year. Since peaking in January at a reading of 153, monthly barometer readings have ranged from a low of 124 in March to 139 in July.   The…

The Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer turned higher in July, following several months of stagnation. The index of agricultural producer sentiment, which is based on a monthly survey of 400 agricultural producers from across the country, reached 139 in July – its highest level since January 2017 and its second-highest level since data collection began in October 2015 (Figure 1). Sentiment this summer among the nation’s agricultural producers is markedly more positive than during summer 2016, when barometer values ranged from the mid-90s to the low 100s. Continuing a trend that’s been underway for several months, the increase in the…

James Mintert, David Widmar and Michael Langemeier The Purdue/CME Group’s June survey of 400 U.S. agricultural producers indicates producers feel their farm operations’ financial positions are stronger now than a year ago (Figure 1). This shift in producers’ perspective is one reason why the Ag Economy Barometer’s June reading of 131 was virtually unchanged from a month earlier (Figure 2). The Ag Economy Barometer, a producer-based sentiment index, has held steady for three months in a row and remains well above levels recorded prior to November 2016. The shift in producers’ perspectives regarding their financial positions is part of a…