The Purdue University-CME Group Economy Barometer Index relating to Agriculture rose in January to 130, four points above the December 2022 value.  The index now is 33 percent above the 2022 low in June.  The rise was due to the Future Expectations Index that was up five points to 127.  In contrast the Index of Current Conditions remained constant at 136 from December.  The Index is derived from the responses of 400 U.S. farmers and was conducted from January 16^th through the 20^th.

An encouraging conclusion from the survey is that producers are entering 2023 in a strong financial position with only five percent of respondents carrying forward debt from 2022.  Many respondents indicated that they would carry higher debt to burden in 2023 primary due to increased costs of inputs including seed and fertilizer.