Farmer optimism improved in July after three straight months of declines, according to the latest Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The Index climbed from 113 in June to 126 in July, with both current conditions and future expectations showing gains. Researchers say stronger corn and soybean prices during the survey period helped boost producer confidence. Despite the improvement, farmers continue to face challenges. Nearly half of respondents identified high input costs as their biggest concern, while 30 percent said crop or livestock prices pose the greatest threat to their operations over the next five to 10 years. Only 13 percent of producers said their farms are financially better off than a year ago. However, more farmers expect conditions to improve over the next 12 months than expect them to worsen. The Farm Capital Investment Index also reached its highest level since March.
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