By Andi Anderson
The 2025 edition of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Report (PAER) shares valuable insights to guide farmers, agribusiness leaders, and policymakers through the changing economic conditions. This year’s annual outlook focuses on the effects of recent policy changes and highlights global and local economic trends.
One of the key features of this issue is a study by assistant professor Laura Montenovo, who worked with researchers from several countries to examine job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their research takes into account how different countries handled the virus and the strictness of their public health policies. The findings reveal that policy responses had a major impact on job markets during 2020, regardless of how severe the outbreak was in certain regions.
“Our research highlights how preexisting job characteristics, particularly the ability to work remotely or the reliance on face-to-face tasks, played a crucial role in shaping employment outcomes during the pandemic,” said Montenovo. “We also found that strict social-distancing policies significantly impacted labor markets, even in countries with relatively low COVID-19 cases, underscoring the role of policy decisions in driving employment trends.”
This research offers important lessons for future economic challenges, especially regarding which types of jobs are more vulnerable during health-related or social disruptions.
In addition to Montenovo’s labor market study and her article on rural economic health, the report features insights from other Purdue economists. Topics include trade conflicts, food price changes, farm bill expectations, and agricultural forecasts. Experts have provided analysis on GDP trends, inflation, land values, and credit access.
The outlook suggests moderate concern for agriculture in 2025, with high input costs, narrow profit margins, and growing demand for credit. These factors are expected to continue putting pressure on farm incomes and long-term stability.
Published quarterly, the Purdue Agricultural Economics Report serves as a helpful guide to understand the current and upcoming challenges in the agriculture sector, offering expert perspectives on navigating a complex economic environment.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Indiana, Business