Farmer sentiment held steady in September as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose one point to a reading of 126.
However, there was a shift in producers’ perceptions of current conditions and their expectations for the future.
The Index of Current Conditions fell seven points to 122, while the Index of Future Expectations climbed five points to 128.
Farmers are concerned about current conditions, particularly over record-high corn and soybean yields, which are pressuring crop prices.
At the same time, optimism about the future was supported by farmers’ belief that U.S. policy is headed in the “right direction” and by expectations that potential government support, like the 2019 Market Facilitation Program, will provide payments to farmers in compensation for lower commodity prices.
The September Farm Financial Performance Index dropped three points to a reading of 88, making it the third consecutive month farmers have lowered their expectations for 2025.
