News

Strong returns in the livestock sector drive optimism in the latest Ag Economy Barometer

An ag economist says strong profit margins in the livestock sector led to a rise in this month’s Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer.

Professor emeritus Jim Mintert says producers are becoming more optimistic about the financial performance of their operations.

“The returns in the cattle sector have just been phenomenal,” he says. “Record high returns and net profitability have really supported the index. In the crop sector, I think it’s really about the strength we’re seeing in yields.”

But, he tells Brownfield high input costs continue to be the number one concern heading into 2026.

“They’re looking for ways to try and reduce production costs,” he says. “People are really trying to reevaluate their operation and look for ways they can make some changes that won’t hurt yields.”

Mintert says Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture continues to monitor how recent ag policy developments could impact sentiment in next month’s survey.

AUDIO: Jim Mintert, Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture