December 7, 2021

Farmer Sentiment Weakens as Production Cost Concerns Mount

The Ag Economy Barometer slipped to a reading of 116 in November, down 5 points from October and 30% lower than in November 2020 when the barometer stood at 167. Once again, weakness in the barometer was tied to weaker sentiment regarding current conditions as well as weaker expectations for the future. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the November 2021 Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. This month’s survey was conducted from November 15 to 19, 2021.

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

TAGS:

sentiment

TEAM LINKS:

James Mintert

Michael Langemeier

RELATED RESOURCES

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.

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.

Crop vs. Livestock Sentiment: Perspectives from the Ag Economy Barometer

October 6, 2025

Given the large difference in prices received and projected net return prospects, it is not surprising to find a large difference in producer sentiment between crop and livestock producers in the August 2025 Ag Economy Barometer survey. In addition to differences in producer sentiment, larger percentages of crop producers expected to have larger operating loans in 2026, listed unpaid operator debt from the prior year as a reason for those larger loans, and were financially stressed.

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 >>