May 5, 2020

April Ag Barometer Drops Below 100 as Coronavirus Disrupts Agriculture

Coronavirus concerns, commodity price declines, and supply-chain disruptions sink producer sentiment to a three-year low. Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier and James Mintert discuss the April Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer on this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast.

The Ag Economy Barometer is based on responses from 400 U.S. agricultural producers and this month’s survey was conducted from April 19-24, 2020.

TAGS:

TEAM LINKS:

RELATED RESOURCES

USDA’s First Forecast of the 2026 U.S. Farm Balance Sheet

February 16, 2026

USDA’s first 2026 Farm Income and Wealth Statistics release provides an early look at the U.S. farm balance sheet heading into the next production cycle. Farm assets and equity are projected to grow at the slowest pace since 2019–2020, while farm debt accumulation accelerates for the third time in four years. Non-real estate assets are expected to decline, driven by reductions in livestock and crop inventories, even as machinery investment continues rising. Key efficiency ratios remain near historic lows, signaling tighter production returns relative to asset values.

READ MORE

What Lower Corn Prices Mean for 2026 Swine Feed Costs

February 13, 2026

Indiana corn prices averaged $4.45 per bushel in 2025, and futures markets suggest prices may remain below long-run averages into 2026. Lower grain prices imply reduced feed costs, but volatility in corn and soybean meal markets continues to create risk. This article examines recent trends in feed cost indices for farrow-to-finish and swine finishing enterprises and evaluates how changes in corn and soybean meal prices could affect feed costs in 2026.

READ MORE

What 2026 Crop Budgets Mean for Profitability and Cash Rent Decisions

February 11, 2026

Margins remain tight for 2026. Purdue’s latest crop budget estimates show soybean rotations maintaining a contribution margin advantage over corn, while breakeven prices for both crops remain well above expected market prices. Negative projected earnings could slow machinery purchases and put pressure on cash rents, making careful cost management and crop budgeting essential.

READ MORE

UPCOMING EVENTS

Farm Shield: Protecting Your Legacy from Life’s Uncertainties Conference, Purdue Extension

January 27 or 28, 2026

Farm Shield is more than a conference, it’s a commitment to helping agricultural families build resilience and plan for a secure future. Don’t miss this opportunity to protect your legacy!

Read More

Top Farmer Conference 2026

January 9, 2026

A management programs geared specifically for farmers. Surrounded by farm management, farm policy, agricultural finance and marketing experts, and a group of your peers, the conference will stimulate your thinking about agriculture’s future and how you can position your farm to be successful in the years ahead.

Read More