Farmers turned pessimistic when the war on Iran sent fuel and fertilizer costs soaring.
The monthly Ag Economy Barometer based on a Purdue University survey found farmers’ mood was the worst since the fall of 2024. It came down by six points since March to 121 in April.
Two-thirds expect their incomes will decline this year.
Forty-six per cent they worry about prices for inputs and 14 per cent worry they may not be able to get what they need.
The percentage who feel the U.S, is headed in the right direction dropped from 65 on March to 57 per cent in April, the lowest in more than a year.
The percentage of producers who expected good times in the next five years was 37 per cent in April, which is 19 per cent lower than April 2025.
There continues to be a large disparity in expectations between crop and livestock producers.
Approximately 31 per cent of respondents expected good times for crop producers, while 69 per cent expected good times for livestock producers.
