Monthly survey of bankers in Mid-America region continue to show pessimism

OMAHA, N.E.(KELO)- Yet another month in negative territory.

That’s the outcome of Creighton University’s monthly survey of small community bankers in our ten-state region.

Economist Ernie Goss says high interest rates and low farm commodity prices are to blame.

Bankers in the survey say they’re very pessimistic about the prospects of economic growth for the next six months.

A record amount of borrowing in farm country.

That’s one of the major trends revealed in this month’s Rural Mainstreet Index.

The Index is a monthly survey of small community bankers in our ten-state region by Creighton University.

Goss says the high level of borrowing is an indicator of economic stress for farmers.

More weakness in the regional farm economy…

Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index shows farm equipment sales slumping yet again this month.

Goss says other readings point to a brighter long-term outlook on the regional farm economy.

Farmland prices have increased in the region for 53 straight months…even with higher interest rates.

The Rural Mainstreet Index is a survey of community bank CEO’s in our ten-state region.