Optimism grows in October as current conditions improve
Key Highlights
- ➤Ag Economy Barometer rose to 126 points in October from 123 in September
- ➤Current Conditions Index increased 16 points, coinciding with USDA support payments
- ➤Farm Capital Investment Index jumped to 55 from 39, its strongest reading in nearly a year
- ➤Future Expectations Index fell 2 points as high input costs remained the biggest concern
- ➤Only 20% of farmers said now is a good time to invest in machinery and buildings
Expert Statements
Michael Langemeier, Principal investigator of the barometer and director of Purdue's Center for Commercial Agriculture
“While producers saw some relief this month due to government program support, many remain uncertain about how future policy decisions could affect agriculture.”
Michael Langemeier, Principal investigator of the barometer and director of Purdue's Center for Commercial Agriculture
“Responses to our policy questions suggest that concerns about trade policy and the country's broader direction are shaping how producers view agriculture's long-term prospects.”
Optimism grows in October as current conditions improve PR Newswire
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Farmer sentiment improved in October as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose from 123 points in September to 126. The survey reported a 16-point increase in the Index of Current Conditions. The increase coincided with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's distribution of Agriculture Risk Coverage Price Loss Coverage payments, although the survey did not specifically ask respondents about the effect of those payments. Although the Index of Future Expectations fell 2 points, with high input costs remaining the biggest concern, the Farm Financial Performance Index rose from 90 to 94, and the Farm Capital Investment Index jumped from 39 to 55. The survey was conducted among 400 farmers across the nation from Oct. 12-16.
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