OMAHA, N.E.(KELO)- Regional bankers are painting a gloomy picture of the economy.

Creighton University’s Monthly Rural Mainstreet Index is at its lowest level in five years.

Economist Ernie Goss says there’s one main reason for the low reading.

Farm land prices dropped, and farm equipment sales remain depressed, as they have been for more than two years.

Farm Loan delinquency rates are still low, but they increased again this month.

Farm income has been dropping since 2022.

This year, many farmers expect to show a loss…due to low grain prices.

So far, farm loan delinquency rates remain low, but they’re rising.

Goss says if the price trends continue the problem will get worse.

Creighton’s Monthly Rural Mainstreet Index was just released, showing its lowest reading in five years.