News

Survey shows farm growth over the next five years likely

The latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer shows the largest increase in farm growth expectations since 2016.

Ag economist Jim Mintert says the current ag economy could drive some farmers to retire early.

“When someone retires, there’s a higher chance that another farming operation or another family typically would pick up the entire operation of that retiring farmer,” he says. “That creates opportunities for these fairly substantial increases in size of farm operations.”

He tells Brownfield this month’s survey took place the week of February 10th and recent changes in ag policy could lead to a different outcome.

“Returns in 25 all of a sudden look a lot different than they did six weeks ago,” he says. “We could see some additional pressure taking place going forward.”

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer is a nationwide measure of the health of the U.S. agricultural economy and surveys 400 agricultural producers on economic sentiment each month.

Brownfield interviewed Mintert during the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver, Colorado.

AUDIO: Jim Mintert, Purdue University