Source: SOUTHEAST FARM PRESS, 6/5/18


The May reading of the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer was 141, 16 points higher than in April 2018 and the highest barometer value since January 2017. The rise in the barometer, a sentiment index derived from a monthly survey of 400 agricultural producers across the U.S., was driven both by producers improved view of current conditions and, especially, their more optimistic view of the future. The Index of Current Conditions rose to 132 during May, 9 points higher than in April while the Index of Future Expectations climbed to a reading of 145, 19 points higher than a month earlier. This was the highest future expectations reading since February 2017.

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