Farmers are expressing more concerns regarding the future as the monthly Ag Economy Barometer drifts lower.  Released this week, the March survey fell to 133 down three points month-over-month.  Organizers say increasing concerns about future economic conditions drove the barometer lower as the Index of Future Expectations declined to 139 in March compared to the 145 reported in February.  The current conditions measure was unchanged compared to February at 120.  The Barometer surveys 400 agricultural producers monthly.

 

A rating below 100 is negative, while a rating above 100 indicates positive sentiment regarding the agriculture industry.  Producers expressed more concern regarding farmland values, as 25% of farmers surveyed expect farmland values to drift lower over the next 12 months.  Survey results from January and March 2019 suggest that 5%-7% of U.S. farms are suffering from some financial stress, using the need to carryover unpaid operating debt as an indicator of financial stress.

 

 

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