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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 about Better Outlook for the Future Pushes Farmer Sentiment HigherCorn and soybean basis have strengthened post-harvest in the Eastern Corn Belt, particularly in Indiana and Ohio, while Iowa lags behind. As winter sets in, historical patterns suggest basis levels will stabilize — but regional deviations highlight the importance of local tracking.
Read More about Corn and Soybean Basis Stabilizes After Seasonal Post-Harvest RiseFifth-generation Indiana pig farmer Brian Martin joins Purdue Commercial AgCast to discuss how consolidation, labor shortages, state policy, and evolving production systems are reshaping the U.S. hog industry. He also highlights the value of internships, partnerships, and business strategy in modern pork production.
Read More about Pig Farming in Focus: A Conversation with Brian MartinDespite the headline deal between the U.S. and China on soybeans, the numbers show a different story. The 12 million-ton commitment for 2025 remains below recent norms, while Brazil and Argentina surged ahead in China’s market. For producers focused on scale, margins, and global competition, the implications are clear: tariff concerns remain, diversification matters, and South America is an emerging force.
Read More about U.S.–China Soybean Deal: Comparing Past Export Levels and Global Market ImpactsMichael Langemeier presented in White County (Reynolds), Indiana on November 12, 2025, on crop net returns prospects.
Read More about Crop Net Return Prospects, Presentation in White CountyDistiller’s dried grains (DDGs) are a co-product of ethanol production and a high-protein substitute for corn and soybean meal in livestock feed. DDG prices generally move with corn and soybean meal, but the relationship is not always predictable. Market disruptions and shifting feed demand can create wide price swings. Projections for early 2026 suggest a $145–$155 per ton range, yet small changes in underlying grain or meal prices could alter the outlook—making careful monitoring essential for livestock operations.
Read More about Explaining Fluctuations in DDG PricesU.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 about Livestock Sector Optimism Fuels a Modest Rise in Farmer Sentiment in OctoberFarmers typically find that rental rates don’t adjust rapidly during a downturn and consequently they lose money on rented land. But most farmers don’t want to give up rented land even if it is not profitable because it is difficult to find another parcel to replace it. They continue to hold on to rented land waiting for better prices, lower costs, and/or higher yields. The fundamental question is how long can they delay the decision. In other words, when should they hold them and when should they fold them? This question has become even more relevant today, given the financial pressure currently faced by crop producers across the Corn Belt, including lower commodity prices, tighter margins, and higher interest rates.
Read More about Using the Long-Run Cash Rent Spreadsheet: When to Hold Them or Fold Them?The Fall 2025 Indiana Farm Income Outlook, published by the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF), provides updated projections for Indiana farm profitability through 2026.
Read More about Indiana Farm Income Outlook Report, Fall 2025When thinking about the adoption of conservation practices, like cover crops, it is important to note two things. First, adoption rates have ebbs and flows; in other words, adoption does not necessarily follow a steady trend. Second, sometimes conservation practices
Read More about Cover Crop Adoption: Results from 5 Years of Ag Economy Barometer Surveys