Despite volatility in commodity markets and concerns over rising interest rates, farmer sentiment toward the agricultural economy showed a slight improvement in July, with Purdue University’s Ag Economy Barometer at 123, up from 121 in June. 

The percentage of farmers predicting bad economic times over the next five years fell from 41% to 39%. However, worries about higher input costs and potential interest rate rises persist, with 65% anticipating an increase in interest rates over the...