Farmer Outlook Falls as Input Costs Weigh on Ag Economy

Farmer Outlook Falls as Input Costs Weigh on Ag Economy

A new survey reveals that farmers are less optimistic as rising input costs and financial uncertainty continued to pressure the farm economy. That’s according to the latest Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The index declined from 121 in April to 119 in May. The Current Conditions Index fell eight points to its lowest level since December 2024, while the Future Expectations Index edged up one point. Input costs remained producers…

Ag Economy Barometer: High input costs, Iran conflict impacting farmer sentiment

An ag economist says the Iranian conflict is having an impact on farmer sentiment in this month’s Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. Michael Langemeier is the director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “From a crop budget standpoint, you factor in that higher nitrogen price for an individual that did not buy their fertilizer until after the […] The post Ag Economy Barometer: High input costs, Iran conflict impacting f…

Purdue Survey Reveals Record Cost Concerns Among Farmers—And the Outlook Is Getting Worse

Farmers across the United States are growing increasingly concerned about the economic outlook for agriculture as escalating production costs, geopolitical uncertainty and tightening profit margins continue to pressure farm operations. The latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, a closely watched measure of farmer sentiment, fell to 119 in May from 121 in April. While the decline was modest, the survey revealed deeper concerns b…

Farmer sentiment slips again as high input costs remain top concern - Oklahoma Farm Report

Farmer sentiment dropped again in May as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer (AEB) Index declined from 121 points in April to 119 (see Figure 1). The Current Conditions Index fell by 8 points, while the Future Expectations Index increased by 1 point (see Figure 2). This month’s Current Conditions Index was 21 points below last year’s December index, reaching its lowest

High costs, low confidence: U.S. farmers cut back on big buys

51% of farmers now put input costs first, and about two-thirds expect 2026 income to fall, pointing to tighter margins and fewer large investment plans.