Producer confidence improved among US farmers

US agricultural producers’ confidence improved in February, according to a monthly survey by Purdue University and the CME Group. The index known as the Ag Economy Barometer rose by 11 points compared to the previous month, reaching 152. The Current Conditions Index gained 28 points to 137, while the Future Expectations Index climbed 3 points to 159. A recent rebound in grain prices, anticipated government disaster payments, and a robust US livestock sector contributed to farmers’ more positive perceptions about their own operations and the US agricultural sector, the survey found.