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.

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Weathering Water Extremes: Connecting Soil Health, Drainage, Irrigation, and Farm Resilience

Join educators from across the Midwest to build skills for communicating soil health concepts on Nov. 4-5, 2026. In the field, we’ll evaluate the relationship between soil health and water management focusing on irrigation and edge of field practices. The in-service will have both classroom and on farm demonstrations.

Land of Opportunity: A Conference for Farmland Owners!

The Land of Opportunity: A Conference for Farmland Owners will be held at two locations on October 5 and October 6, providing farmland owners with valuable information and resources to help them make informed decisions about their land. The conference will feature keynote presentations, educational breakout sessions, and networking opportunities designed specifically for those who own, manage, or have an interest in farmland.