Farmer optimism improved in July after three straight months of declines, according to the latest Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The index climbed from 113 in June to 126 in July, helped by stronger corn and soybean prices during the survey period. Both current conditions and future expectations improved. 

Even so, producers continue facing challenges. Nearly half of those surveyed identified high input costs as their biggest concern, while 30 percent pointed to crop and livestock prices as the greatest long-term risk. Just 13 percent said their farms are financially better off than a year ago. However, more producers now expect conditions to improve over the next 12 months, and the Farm Capital Investment Index reached its highest level since March.

By: NATHAN STUEDLEFarmer optimism improved in July after three straight months of declines, according to the latest Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The index climbed from 113 in June to 126 in July, helped by stronger corn and soybean prices during the survey period. Both current conditions and future expectations improved. Even so, producers continue facing challenges. Nearly half of those surveyed identified high input costs as their biggest concern, while 30 percent pointed to crop and livestock prices as the greatest long-term risk. Just 13 percent said their farms are financially better off than a year ago. However, more producers now expect conditions to improve over the next 12 months, and the Farm Capital Investment Index reached its highest level since March.

Farmer sentiment improves as corn and soybean prices rise