For U.S. farmers, pessimism about both the current farm economy and future expectations has caused producer sentiment to drop 11 points since June, as reported by the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer.
July’s Current Conditions Index dropped 17 points from June, which the report attributes mostly to declining income prospects in 2025. The Future Expectations Index decreased 7 points compared to last month.
Even so, 74% of survey takers expressed confidence that the U.S. is going in the “right direction” in trade and policy. Producers were also optimistic about ag exports, with 43% saying they expected ag exports to rise in the next five years, up 2 points from June.
It’s easy to be “in the know” about what’s happening in Washington, D.C. Sign up for a FREE month of Agri-Pulse news! Simply click here
Also included in the most recent survey was a question regarding expected safety net funding in the 2025 farm bill. Nearly one-third of respondents indicated they anticipated a shored-up farm safety net in the newest farm bill.
The barometer is based on survey results gathered July 7-11. The next report will be published Sept. 2.
For more news, go to Agri-Pulse.com.
