Overall agriculture producer confidence remains positive at 106.9, up slightly from 105.5 last December and unchanged from March 2013, according to the latest DTN/Progressive Farmer Agriculture Confidence Index. The values above 100 indicate optimism, and values below signify pessimism.
The index surveyed 500 farmers and ranchers on their overall impressions of the agriculture sector between March 1 and 10.
There was a significant disparity in confidence levels between crop and livestock producers, despite an overall positive confidence score. Livestock owners’ confidence rose to a near all-time high of 116.4, up from 107.5 last year. But they are less optimistic for the upcoming year at 97.3.
Crop producers’ outlook dropped to the lowest level in four years to 102.7, down from 106. 8 last March. Their expectations for the coming year fell to 90.7 from 93.4 in December, but were up from March.