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:

sentiment

TEAM LINKS:

James Mintert

Michael Langemeier

RELATED RESOURCES

High Input-Cost Concerns Continue to Weigh on Farmer Sentiment

July 7, 2026

Producers continued to express concern about farm finances as the June Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer recorded a 6-point decline in farmer sentiment to 113.

Farmer Sentiment Slips Again as High Input Costs Remain Top Concern

June 2, 2026

Farmer sentiment dropped again in May as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined from 121 points in April to 119. The Current Conditions Index fell by 8 points, while the Future Expectations Index increased by 1 point. The percentage of respondents who listed high input costs as their biggest concern was 51% in May, reaching a new high.

Farmer Sentiment Declines in April Amid Input Costs and Availability Concerns

May 5, 2026

Farmer sentiment declined in April with the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, falling from 127 in March to 121. The drop reflects weaker confidence in current conditions, declining expectations for future performance, and continued concerns about input costs, availability, and global uncertainty. The Farm Capital Investment Index also fell to its lowest level since October 2024, signaling reduced willingness to make large investments. With two-thirds of producers expecting lower farm income in 2026 and many anticipating higher corn break-even prices, the report highlights growing financial pressure across U.S. agriculture.

UPCOMING EVENTS

We are taking a short break, but please plan to join us at one of our future programs that is a little farther in the future.

POPULAR RESOURCES

See What Others Like >>