Farmers are optimistic about the state of the U.S. agricultural economy moving forward, a new study finds. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbed nine points in December to a reading of 125. This is only the second time that this monthly snapshot of farmer sentiment has risen since May. The Index of Current Conditions rose 18 points last month to 146, and the Index of Future Expectations edged up four points to a total of 114. Last year was a terrific time for the agricultural commodities market, with wheat and corn prices rallying by double digits. These sharp gains supported farmers’ financial performance in 2021, highlighted in the Farm Financial Performance Index, which jumped seven points to a seven-month high of 113. Although global supply chain disruptions have severely impacted the agricultural sector, farmers’ capital investment endeavors remained intact to finish the year. The Farm Capital Investment Index …