September 7, 2021

Farmer Sentiment Improves in August, But Inflationary Concerns Mount

Agricultural producers’ sentiment improved slightly in August compared to July as the Ag Economy Barometer rose four points to a reading of 138 vs. 134 a month earlier. The modest rise in the barometer was primarily attributable to an improvement in the Index of Current Conditions, which climbed 9 points to 152 while the Index of Future Expectations rose just 2 points to 132. Although the barometer and its two key sub-indices improved in August compared to July, all three indices remain well below the very positive sentiment readings posted this past spring. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the August 2021 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers, on this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast. This month’s survey was conducted from August 23-27, 2021.

 

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

TAGS:

TEAM LINKS:

RELATED RESOURCES

Farmer Sentiment Drifts Lower As Trade Uncertainty Hangs Over Agriculture

January 6, 2026

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

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

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