US farmer sentiment rebounds in March despite input cost worries
Livestock producers more optimistic than crop farmers, survey finds
9 April 2026
1 minute read
By: US farmer sentiment improved in March, according to the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, driven largely by stronger expectations for the future. Despite the uptick, producers remain more cautious than a year ago.
Financial conditions were mixed. Around 18% of producers said their operations were better off than a year ago, while 20% expect improved financial performance over the next 12 months compared with 18% anticipating worse conditions. Plans for capital investment remain limited, with only 4% of producers planning to increase machinery purchases.
"While producers are feeling more optimistic about the future, there's still a noticeable gap between short-term challenges and long-term confidence," said Michael Langemeier, the barometer's principal investigator and director of Purdue's Center for Commercial Agriculture. "Longer-term optimism is supported by stronger expectations for farmland values and the broader economy, though livestock producers remain notably more optimistic than crop producers."
Inflation and interest rates are front of mind, with around 39% of respondents expecting consumer inflation to exceed 3%. On interest rates, 34% anticipate the US prime rate will be lower in 12 months, while 16% expect it to be higher.
Farmland value expectations also strengthened, and optimism about the direction of the US economy improved, with 65% of producers saying the country is headed in the right direction, up from 59% in February.
