Farmer Sentiment Rises to 126 as Capital Investment Index Jumps
West Lafayette – November 03, 2026 -- The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose to 126 in October from 123 in September, as the Index of Current Conditions gained 16 points and the Farm Capital Investment Index climbed from 39 to 55, its strongest reading in nearly a year.
The Index of Future Expectations fell 2 points, with high input costs remaining producers' biggest concern. The survey of 400 U.S. farmers ran Oct. 12-16.
Farm financial and investment indexes improve, but large purchases stay on hold
The Farm Financial Performance Index rose from 90 to 94. Only 20% of respondents said now is a good time to invest in machinery and buildings, so most producers still hesitate on large outlays.
The improvement coincided with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's distribution of Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage payments. The survey did not ask respondents about the effect of those payments.