WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Ag Economy Barometer rose nine points in December to a reading of 125, up from 116 in November, indicating an increase in optimism about the ag economy.
“The rise in the barometer was driven mostly by an improvement in the Index of Current Conditions, which rose from a reading of 128 last month to 146 this month, as producers felt better about what was taking place on their farms currently,” said Jim Mintert, director of the Center for Commercial Agriculture at Purdue University.
The Farm Financial Performance Index also rose to a reading of 113, up seven points compared to the month before.
“There was a six-point rise in the percent of producers expecting better financial performance on their farm,” Mintert said. “The percentage expecting no change fell by 5 points.”
The Farm Capital Investment Index rose 10 points to a reading of 49.
“The percentage of producers expecting reduced machinery…
