Farmer sentiment dropped for a second month in a row in April bringing the Ag Economy Barometer down to levels last seen in 2016.

The national Ag Economy Barometer saw sharp declines in current and future expectations tracking with other industries feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The national survey asks 400 agriculture producers a range of questions each month from financial plans to perspectives on current economic issues including the trade war with China.

Farmers' perceptions of economic conditions improved in November, according to the monthly Ag Economy Barometer. While yields are down its still a better harvest than many feared.

The Ag Economy Barometer saw the largest single-month drop since it was created in 2016.

The ongoing trade war with China is worrying many farmers. Theyre also making less money off their crops. And recent rainy weather is delaying some planting.

It's been harder than usual this season for farmers to make a profit. And that's driving down how the ag sector feels about its future.

The barometer analyzes two things: current conditions and farmers' future expectations. July's declines were the biggest since the measure was first established in 2015.