(Omaha, NE) — The Midwest rural economy is in a recession. That according to the latest Rural Main Street Economic Index. The August numbers show the overall economic index for rural Iowa fell from 49-point-five to 44-point-two.
The Iowa farmland price index dropped six points. One bright spot, rural hiring in Iowa remains stronger, holding at 51-point-six. Any number over 50 indicates growth.
For the Midwest Region, the Main Street Index reports farm equipment sales are down, farm loan delinquencies are up, and agriculture exports are down.
