Ag Continues to Drive Rural Economy

Rural America continues to be a bright spot in an ever dimming economic environment as the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) and farmland price index posted above growth neutral readings. Farmers are the driving force behind the growth as 4 out of every 5 sales transactions are purchased by farmers.

The RMI increased to 58.3 from 56.9 in the March survey. “Crop farmers and businesses linked to crop farming and energy continue to experience very positive economic conditions with improving balance sheets,” commented Creighton University economist Ernie Goss.