OMAHA, N.E.(KELO)- A pleasant surprise on the regional economy.

Creighton University’s monthly Rural Mainstreet Index turned in its most positive readings in two years.

That caught economist, Dr. Ernie Goss by surprise.

Grain prices are below break even, so community bankers in the survey said they expect farm operations to lose money this year.

Despite that, Goss says farm loan delinquency rates are very low.

A positive surprise on the regional economy…with South Dakota showing strength.

Creighton University’s monthly Rural Mainstreet Index turned in the strongest numbers in two years, in spite of tariffs hurting farm exports.

Goss comment more on the tariffs.

At the same time, Northern Plains News reports U-S Bank is warning the national economy is cooling, due mainly to higher interest rates and lower consumer spending.

But the bank says South Dakota’s strong job market and budget surplus show resilience.