Sentiment among US farmers plummeted in the months leading up to the election but surged in October and November as it became clear that President Trump was poised to win. If sustained, this multi-month surge could record the largest quarterly boost in farm sentiment on record despite trade war threats with China and challenging operating ag environments.
“Apparent relief over the US presidential election has boosted farmers’ sentiment,” Bloomberg Intelligence’s Jason Miner and Ama Kyerewaa wrote in a note, adding, “Even so, looming trade friction could worsen still low-crop prices. High rents add pressure to the farm financial outlook, while debt-service burdens are set to rise as loans roll over amid higher interest rates.”
In September, the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index tumbled to its lowest readings since March 2016, a time when the farm economy was a mess. This was primarily due to sliding commodity prices and soaring costs, pressuring farmer incomes.
However, the Ag Economy Barometer, a survey of 400 farmers across the nation, skyrocketed in October and November, on the prospects of Trump restoring the ag industry to greatness in his second term.
“With little change in input costs or still-low crop prices since October, the November result is a reminder of support for Trump among US farmers,” BI analysts noted.
They said, “Producers were optimistic about lower tax and environmental regulatory burdens on the agriculture economy in the year ahead. Sentiment around future conditions rose more than for current ones. Appetite for capital investment significantly improved alongside a rise in expectations for farm financial performance in 2025.”
If farm barometer readings remain elevated through year-end, the fourth quarter would lock in the largest quarterly gain on record, with data going back to 2015.
We must be self sufficient again when it comes to goods and services. We don’t have to rely on other nations to survive. Just too lazy, corrupt and lack proper leadership. Trash continues to rise into leadership positions and they are allowed to get away with it. Sad.