Current Farmer Sentiment is Falling, Future Expectations Rising

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – Producer sentiment regarding current agricultural economic conditions dropped 12 points in December, according to the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The Index of Current Conditions registered a reading of 141, down from 153 in November. Meanwhile, the Index of Future Expectations remained strong, up 2 points in December (155 points). In the December survey, producers were asked whether their farm’s 2019 financial performance was better, as expected, or worse than their initial budget projections. Just over-half (52 percent), stated that their initial projections matched their farm’s financial performance; 30 percent stated it was worse, and 19 percent stated it was better than expected.