April 6, 2021

Strong Commodity Prices and Improved Financial Conditions Boost Ag Economy Barometer

The Ag Economy Barometer rose in March to 177, the highest reading for the barometer since the record high reading of 184 in October. Strong ag commodity prices and improved farm financial conditions continue to support the Ag Economy Barometer readings as we head into spring. This month’s survey was conducted from March 22-26, 2021. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the March 2021 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers, on this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast.

The full March Ag Economy Barometer report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer.

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sentiment

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James Mintert

Michael Langemeier

RELATED RESOURCES

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Farmer sentiment held steady in September, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose just 1 point to a reading of 126. However, there was a shift in producers’ perceptions of current conditions and their expectations for the future. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results from the September Ag Economy Barometer and give their insights into farmer sentiment and the farm economy.

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Farmer Sentiment Weakens as Producer Confidence in Future Wanes

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Farmer sentiment dipped again in August as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index fell 10 points to 125. Producers were markedly less optimistic about the future in August as the Index of Future Expectations dropped 16 points to 123. This was the lowest reading for the future index since last September. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share insights into the results of the August 2025 survey, conducted from August 11-15, in this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast.