NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The overall Rural Mainstreet Index from Creighton University is as low as it has been since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We're looking at agricultural equipment sales down to their lowest level since May of 2020, the overall index down to its lowest level since June 2020. Suprisingly, farm income, that's what we're talking about, back to 2020 levels."
Goss does see dawn breaking eventually for the area, though.
"Agricultural farmland prices, you're seeing some growth there," Goss said. "That's just indicative of a positive outlook long-term from the bankers."
Kansas is in particularly rough shape in the rural areas, according to the survey, as it is at a region-low 30.2. 50 is growth neutral.
"When we look at the prices of commodities, particularly grain, of course, we're seeing, not, by historical standards, not that bad, but the inputs are much higher in price."
Over the past 12 months, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that the state Rural Mainstreet Economy lost 0.3% of its jobs compared to a gain of 0.8% for urban areas of the state.
CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.