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Farmer sentiment increases, but long-term concerns about the ag economy remain

A survey of 400 farmers and ranchers from across the country shows rising concern about the overall direction of the ag economy. 

Joana Colussi with Purdue University says there was a slight increase in overall farmer sentiment in the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, but, “Respondents are indicating that their farming operations were worse off in February than they were one year ago. We’re seeing a shift in future expectations. That’s due to the current financial situation and the rising concern of international markets.”

She says long-term optimism about the future of U.S. ag exports continues to decline.

“Last year, we saw the tariff situation impacting soybean exports,” she says. “Total U.S. soybean exports decreased by around 27 percent, so there are also concerns about where ag exports are headed in 2026.”

Colussi says Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture continues to monitor how global economic conditions and trade relations could impact overall farmer sentiment in the coming months.

The Barometer is a nationwide measure of the health of the U.S. agricultural economy and surveys agricultural producers on economic sentiment each month.

AUDIO: Joana Colussi, Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture