Rural Mainstreet Climbs to Highest Level Since September 2015: But Only 15 Percent Report Expanding Economy February Survey Results at a Glance: * The overall index, while remaining below growth neutral, rose to its highest level since September 2015. * More than one-third of bank CEOs reported their local economy remains in an economic downturn. Only 14.9 percent of bankers indicated their local …
House Agriculture Committee Prepares for Farm Bill by Exploring Economic Outlook in Rural America
The House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to review the economic challenges facing rural America. Members heard from several witnesses who highlighted these factors, including low farm commodity prices, declining net farm income, tightening credit conditions, a strong dollar, and unfair trade practices by foreign competitors.
Net Farm Income Expected to Dip further in 2017
Highlights From the February 2017 Farm Income Forecast Farm sector profitability measures are mixed for 2017. A narrow cash-based measure, net cash farm income, is forecast to rise by $1.6 billion to $93.5 billion from the 2016 value, an increase of 1.8 percent. In contrast, net farm income is forecast to decline by 8.7 percent to $62.3 billion, the fourth …
Ag Producers’ Confidence Surges During January
The Ag Economy Barometer continues to show increased producer confidence following the November election. Organized by Purdue University and the CME Group, the monthly survey of 400 agricultural producers from across the U.S. reached 153 in January, 21 points higher than December’s survey and 61 points higher than in October. The increase marks the most positive recorded sentiment by producers …
Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference is Next Week
Those in agriculture won’t want to miss the Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference coming up next week. University of Florida/IFAS economists and other experts will discuss economic insights helpful for making informed business and policy decisions. The second annual event, organized by the UF/IFAS food and resource economics department, will be held February 9th from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. …
Tough Year
Everett Griner talks about a tough year ahead for farmers in today’s Agri View.
Net Farm Cash Income Down in 2016
Tyron Spearman takes a look at the highlights from the USDA Net Farm Income report which has recently been released.
Inflation Up, Food Prices Unchanged
Overall inflation over the last 12 months increased 2.1 percent, but food prices remain unchanged. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers was up .3 percent in December, with gasoline prices up three percent. But the food-at-home index fell 0.2 percent, its eighth consecutive decrease that reflects an overall 0.2 percent decrease over the …
Ag Producer Sentiment Improves in December
Producer sentiments took a post-election jump in the month of December. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer December reading of 132 marked the second straight monthly increase. That’s also the highest level since the survey began in October of 2015. The December mark was 16 points above the November mark and 40 points higher than October. Producers seemed optimistic …
Is 2017 A Turnaround Year For Farmers?
At least one company is predicting 2017 to be something of a turnaround year for farmers. A recent Ag Web Dot Com article said 2017 could see a “global supply pullback” that may give farmers some relief from lower commodity prices. MetLife Agricultural Finance says, “We expect a recovery in 2017 as global consumption rises and corn and soybean supplies …