May 4, 2021

Ag Economy Barometer Remains Strong; Producers Concerned About Possible Changes in Estate Tax Policy

The April reading of the Ag Economy Barometer was 178, virtually unchanged from a month earlier when the index stood at 177 and just 5 points below its all-time high of 183, which was set back in October. Compared to March, however, there was a small change in producers’ perspective on the ag economy as they became more optimistic about the future, while their appraisal of the current situation waned. This month’s survey was conducted from April 19-23, 2021. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the April 2021 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers, on this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast.

 

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

TAGS:

TEAM LINKS:

RELATED RESOURCES

Better Outlook for the Future Pushes Farmer Sentiment Higher

December 2, 2025

November brought the highest farmer sentiment reading since June, with the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer jumping 10 points from October to 139. The increase was driven primarily by producers’ more optimistic outlook for the future. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results from the November Ag Economy Barometer and give their insights into farmer sentiment and the farm economy.

READ MORE

Livestock Sector Optimism Fuels a Modest Rise in Farmer Sentiment in October

November 4, 2025

U.S. farmer sentiment edged slightly higher in October, with the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rising 3 points to a reading of 129. Farmers’ appraisals of current conditions highlight a “tale of two economies”: Livestock producers remain highly optimistic about their farm conditions, partly supported by record-high profitability in the beef sector, while crop producers report a more pessimistic view of the current situation on their farms due to low profit margins across major crop enterprises. 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.

READ MORE

Farmers Say Current Conditions on U.S. Farms Are Weakening

October 7, 2025

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.

READ MORE

UPCOMING EVENTS

Cultivating Clarity: Understanding Farm Taxes Workshop, Purdue Extension

December 1 & 8, 2025

Join Purdue Extension for a two-part workshop designed to help you gain a clearer understanding of tax planning essentials. The first session on December 1 will focus on the fundamentals of farm taxes, with particular emphasis on strategies that can be used in a low net income year. The second session on December 8 will focus on key tax strategies and will allow plenty of time for questions. Registration cost is only $20.

Read More

Farm & Ranch Tax Issues Webinar, Purdue Income Tax School

December 15, 2025

This program provides in-depth coverage of agricultural and farm tax issues. In addition to covering timely tax issues, we will cover disaster tax issues, depreciation and expensing farm assets, retirement planning for farms, and tax planning in low-income years. This year’s webinar will be co-taught by a team from Ohio State and Purdue Universities.

Read More

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