Farmer sentiment improved in February as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose by 11 points from January to 152 in February.
The Current Conditions Index reading of 137 was 28 points above January’s reading. It has been on a steady climb since late summer and early fall, 2024, when the index bottomed out at 76.
A sharp crop price recovery in the last several months, which was augmented by expectations for receipt of disaster payments authorized by Congress, combined with strength in the U.S. livestock sector, contributed to producers’ improved appraisal of conditions on their farms and in the U.S. agricultural sector.
