(Ernie Goss - Photo Courtesy of Monique Devillier of Goss & Associates)Iowa (RI) — The latest Rural Mainstreet Index from Creighton University shows economic conditions in rural Iowa and nine neighboring states remained below growth-neutral levels in October, marking the fifth time in the past six months the index has been in negative territory.
Creighton economist Ernie Goss says supply chain disruptions tied to the war involving Iran continue to affect agriculture through higher input costs.
Goss says tariffs and trade disputes are also affecting agricultural exports.
The survey found farm equipment sales remain weak, and 28% of rural bankers identified local equipment dealers as the businesses facing the greatest financial stress in their communities.
Over half of the bankers surveyed expressed support for the Trump administration’s newly announced $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program.
Iowa’s overall Rural Mainstreet Index rose three points in October and ranked third-highest among the 10 states surveyed, though it remained below the level Goss considers growth-neutral.
Missouri posted the region’s lowest score.
