CME Group farmer sentiment index falls as record 52% cite input cost worries

The September Purdue/CME Ag Economy Barometer fell to 123 from 135, with input-cost worries reaching a record high of 52% among respondents. The Index of Current Conditions slid 18 points, and the Farm Financial Performance Index dropped to 90 from 103, indicating weaker near-term income expectations. The Index of Future Expectations fell 9 points, with 35% expecting finances to worsen in 12 months compared to 22% expecting improvement. However, the Long-Term Farmland Value Expectations Index rose to a record 168.