By Andi Anderson
Farmer sentiment across the United States held steady in September, according to the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer.
The overall reading rose slightly by one point to 126, signaling cautious optimism among producers. However, the survey revealed a split in outlooks — current conditions weakened while expectations for the future improved.
The Index of Current Conditions dropped seven points to 122, reflecting farmers’ growing concern about declining commodity prices and record-high corn and soybean yields.
In contrast, the Index of Future Expectations climbed five points to 128, showing hope that national agricultural policies and potential support programs may provide relief in the months ahead.
Financial pressures remain evident. The Farm Financial Performance Index fell three points to 88, marking the third straight month of lower expectations for 2025 compared to 2024.
The Farm Capital Investment Index also decreased by eight points to 53, as fewer farmers believe it’s a good time to make major investments in their operations.
Farmland values showed continued weakness, with the Short-Term Farmland Values Expectations Index falling six points to 106 — its fourth monthly decline. Most producers (58%) expect land prices to remain stable over the next year, while fewer anticipate any increase.
While 71% of farmers said the country is “headed in the right direction,” confidence in the long-term benefits of tariffs has dropped sharply. Only 51% of respondents now believe tariffs will strengthen the agricultural economy, down from 70% earlier in the year.
Still, optimism about potential government support remains strong. More than 80% of producers expect a program similar to the 2019 Market Facilitation Program if trade tensions continue to pressure prices.
The survey also found that over half of U.S. corn and soybean farmers now use cover crops on some of their land — a steady trend that suggests growing interest in soil health and sustainability.
“High production costs and weak crop prices are pressuring farm incomes on U.S. crop farms,” said Michael Langemeier, the barometer’s principal investigator. “A large majority of U.S. farmers expect government support to bolster farm incomes if crop prices remain weak.”
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Indiana, General