 A number of downward trending variables have pulled farmer sentiment along with them. As per the latest Ag Economy Barometer, Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture Director James Minard says a combination of high input costs, rising interest rates, and lower product prices has farmers tightening their belts heading into this summer. The Ag Economy Barometer did drift a little bit lower this month. The reading was 105. That's three points lower than a month earlier.