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Rural economy continues to slide
Pictured: Creighton University economist Ernie Goss
The latest Rural Mainstreet Index showed continued uncertainty in the ag economy.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss tells Brownfield the index fell below growth neutral for the 17th time in the past 18 months. “With a new president coming in that’s always a little uncertain, but President Trump has brought a higher degree of uncertainty. Of course, we’re all crossing our fingers and hoping for the best and also preparing for the worst.”
The index is a monthly survey of ag bankers in 10 states including Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
Goss tells Brownfield bankers in the survey were concerned about President Trump’s tariff actions. “What we ask is, how is it going to impact rural Mainstreet? And only 9% said a positive impact. Things got a little more negative than I think the president hoped they would.”
The February survey also revealed farm equipment sales dropped for the 18th month in a row.
AUDIO: Creigton University’s Ernie Goss
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