This website is best viewed in a browser that supports web standards.

Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.

Listen Live
Donate
MARYVILLE

KXCV-KRNW


News Brief

Nov. 25, 2024Omaha, Neb. |  By: Jeremy Werner

Rural Mainstreet Index shows signs of improvement

economy

OMAHA, Neb. - After months of decline, the Rural Mainstreet Index—an economic indicator for our four-state corner and a 10-state region—has shown improvement.

November’s index rose to 50.2, up from October’s 35.2, marking its highest level since July 2023. Growth neutral is considered 50.

Creighton University Economics Professor Doctor Ernie Goss attributes the rise to a strong fall harvest and other stabilizing factors.

However, challenges remain. Farm equipment sales declined for the 16th consecutive month, reflecting farmer caution.

Bank CEOs also anticipate farmland prices to drop 2.7% over the next year, with 64% recommending the Federal Reserve keep short-term interest rates steady at its December meeting.