Farm Economy Needs To Find Balance, Idaho Ag Economist Notes

The farm economy remains challenging for most commodities.  The recent Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer showed a slight increase to a reading of 129.  However, when looking beyond the headlines, the results show more challenges and pessimism for the crop sector compared to the livestock sector.

Brett Wilder, Ag economist at the University of Idaho, said when it comes to the crop side, the market has yet to find a good supply and demand balance.

“We're going to be in a tough situation, this crop sector is going to be tough, until whether it's through exports or increased use domestically or technological advantages that help us do additional things like greater use of biofuel, et cetera, to help us use some of these excess crops. Until we find a better supply and demand balance, we're going to be in just a tight situation.”

The most recent Ag economy barometer indicated only 30% of crop growers nationwide expect better days ahead.  Click Here to check out the October Ag Economy Barometer.

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