Producer Sentiment Declines in December

(WEST LAFAYETTE, IN) There was a modest drop in agricultural producer sentiment in December as farmers’ perception of both current and future economic conditions weakened according to results from the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The December reading of 127 was 7 points lower than November. The barometer is based on 400 survey responses from agricultural producers across the country. Both of the barometer’s sub-indices declined in December as well. The Index of Current Conditions fell 6 points while the Index of Future Expectations fell 8 points. When compared to this time last year, the Index of Current Conditions is substantially lower, a decline of 30 points, while the Index of Future Expectations has improved by 15 points.