Rural Mainstreet Index Dips

Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index declined from January to February, although it still indicated subtle growth in rural communities.

Bank CEOs who responded to the monthly survey projected a decline in farm equipment sales in 2019, although their forecast from the same month last year anticipated a greater decline.

Producers seem more optimistic than bankers this winter. Farmer sentiment, which is measured in a survey conducted by Purdue University, shows a bit more of a willingness to make large investments than bank CEOs expect.