A monthly survey of farmers has found little change in their attitudes.
Purdue University and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange run the monthly survey of about 700 farmers to generate an economic barometer.
The overall index dipped three points to 136 in December.
Their attitudes about the future slipped by four points to 140.
They said their current conditions held steady.
There was some concern about the competitiveness of United States’ soybeans, mainly because of expanding production in Brazil.
The performance index rose by two points to 94. More producers in December than in November said they expect this year’s farm financial performance to be about the same as last year.
The Farm Capital Investment Index increased by two points but 60 per cent said it is a bad time to make a large investment in their farm.
