The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined in July as farmer sentiment continued to weaken. The barometer fell 11 points from June to register at 135 in July, a reading that came from U.S. farmers’ weaker perceptions of both current conditions and future expectations. The July Current Conditions Index dropped 17 points from the previous month to 127.  The Future Expectations Index posted a smaller drop of seven points to 139. 

Driving the weaker income prospects for 2025 were farmers’ assessments of current conditions. Despite lower scores on the three principal farmer sentiment indexes, sentiment still remains notably higher than at the same time a year ago. Almost three-fourths of the July survey respondents reported that U.S. policy is headed in the right direction. The Farm Financial Performance Index reflected concerns about weak income prospects for 2025, falling 14 points from June to 90. The Farmland Value Expectations Index was also lower. 

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined in July as farmer sentiment continued to weaken. The barometer fell 11 points from June to register at 135 in July, a reading that came from U.S. farmers’ weaker perceptions of both current conditions and future expectations. The July Current Conditions Index dropped 17 points from the previous month to 127. The Future Expectations Index posted a smaller drop of seven points to 139. Driving the weaker income prospects for 2025 were farmers’ assessments of current conditions. Despite lower scores on the three principal farmer sentiment indexes, sentiment still remains notably higher than at the same time a year ago. Almost three-fourths of the July survey respondents reported that U.S. policy is headed in the right direction. The Farm Financial Performance Index reflected concerns about weak income prospects for 2025, falling 14 points from June to 90. The Farmland Value Expectations Index was also lower. -NAFB

Farmer sentiment grows weaker