NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Small business optimism remained below average in April, and labor problems continue to weigh heavily on rural employers. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) says its Small Business Optimism Index rose slightly to 95.9, still below its 52-year average of 98.0.
Labor quality ranked as the top concern, cited by 18 percent of small business owners. In rural communities, that problem often comes down to numbers. There are fewer people in the local workforce, which means an even smaller pool of skilled workers for repair shops, feed stores, implement dealers, trucking companies, and service businesses.
Inflation is adding more pressure. NFIB says 30 percent of owners raised average selling prices in April, while 27 percent plan to raise prices over the next three months.
Expansion plans remain weak. Only seven percent of owners said April was a good time to expand, the lowest reading since October 2024. Supply chain disruptions affected 64 percent of businesses to some degree.
For farm country, that caution can mean higher costs, slower service, and less local investment.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Rural labor shortages and inflation can reach the farm in the form of higher prices, longer wait times, and tighter service capacity.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
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