Farmers Back Tariffs to Boost U.S. Ag Economy Long-Term

May 08, 2025
By Farms.com

Farmers Expect Strong Financial Performance in 2025

American farmers are showing strong support for the administration and efforts to restore fairness in global trade and open new markets for domestic producers.

According to the latest Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, 70% of farmers believe that administration tariffs will strengthen the agricultural economy in the long run.

Farmer sentiment improved in April, with increases in both current and future expectations. The Farm Capital Investment Index reached its highest level since May 2021.

This month, one out of four respondents said it was a good time to make large investments, nearly double the percentage of respondents who said it was a good time to invest when surveyed from May through October of last year.

Additionally, the Farm Financial Performance Index has been above 100 for four consecutive months, indicating that producers expect financial performance this year to match or slightly exceed last year’s levels.

Video: Fendt Testimonial | Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 | Peter Watson Jones Ltd.

What happens when a farm buys its first Fendt? For Peter Watson Jones Ltd, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 has exceeded expectations from day one. For Jack, Farm Manager at Peter Watson Jones Ltd in North Shropshire, UK, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 wasn't just another tractor purchase. It was the farm's first experience with the Fendt brand.

Operating across a 1,200-acre arable farm alongside a 250,000-head broiler enterprise, the business has evolved significantly over the last decade, moving to a straight arable system with fewer staff and machines. Since arriving on the farm, the Fendt 726 Vario has established itself as the main drilling and cultivations tractor, earning its place through performance, versatility and efficiency. Whether it's handling large-scale cultivations or working with a new 4.5m strip-till drill, the tractor continues to impress.

Jack highlights its excellent manoeuvrability, operator comfort and ability to deliver strong pulling power at low engine speeds. The result? Outstanding fuel efficiency without compromising performance. Reliability has also been a key factor, with dependable backup from the team at TR Machinery helping to keep the tractor working when it matters most.

?? Watch as Jack shares why the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7, the farm's first Fendt, has made such a strong impression and become an integral part of their operation.