Weakening crop prices hit barometer

Oct 05, 2023

Agricultural-producer sentiment declined for the second month in a row during September as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer decreased 9 points to a reading of 106. Producers expressed concern about both the current situation as well as future prospects for their farms. The Current Conditions and Futures Expectations Indices both declined 10 points in September leaving the Current Conditions Index at a reading of 98 while the Future Expectations Index stood at 109. Weakening prices for major crops and ongoing concerns about inflated production costs and interest rates weighed on producer minds this month. September’s declines left all three indices at less than year-ago levels. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted Sept. 11-15, 2023.

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Video: Dr. Fei Yang Discusses Corn Rootworm, European Corn Borer, and Pest Monitoring

What insect threats are Minnesota corn growers facing, and what research is helping farmers stay ahead of them?

At the 2026 MN Ag Expo, University of Minnesota entomologist Fei Yang shared updates on three Minnesota Corn-supported research projects focused on insect monitoring, seed treatments, and pest resistance.

Current work includes statewide monitoring programs that use pheromone, light, and sticky traps to track key pests such as black cutworm, true armyworm, corn earworm, European corn borer, and corn rootworm. Researchers are also evaluating whether high-rate seed treatments provide effective corn rootworm control and studying the development of resistance in European corn borer populations to Bt corn traits.

These projects help researchers better understand pest pressures across Minnesota and provide farmers with practical information to support informed management decisions.