Ag Economy Barometer 32% Lower than Last Year; High Inputs, Slow Planting Progress to Blame

The April Ag Economy Barometer showed a slight increase in overall producer sentiments, but still coming in at a whopping 32% below the same time last year. As input prices effect every producer, more voices are raising concern about record-high diesel prices, more-than-double increases on fertilizer and an ongoing, near-ten-year record slow planting season.

The barometer posted a reading of 121 and showed that generally, farmers feel a little better about their financial situation although sky-high operating costs appear to be out shadowing optimism on profitability. The barometer also showed that 30% of farmers say they have had issues sourcing herbicides, 27% report problems obtaining farm machinery parts and 26% report issues with fertilizer availability.

Read more on the latest Ag Economy Barometer reading here.