OMAHA, Neb. (RFD-TV) — The Rural Mainstreet Index has slipped below growth-neutral once again, marking its eighth decline this year and falling to the lowest level since May 2020. Creighton University economist Dr. Ernie Goss joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to break down the latest data.
According to the new report, seven out of ten rural bankers support President Trump’s recent trade steps with China, expressing cautious optimism about future export potential. However, farm loan volumes remain tight, and farmland prices continue to face pressure in many regions.
In his interview with RFD-TV news, Dr. Goss says several factors are driving the decline, including weaker commodity prices, slower farm income, and ongoing uncertainty around trade and interest rates. He noted that key indicators for the ag economy heading into next year will be credit conditions, global trade developments, and overall farm profitability.
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
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New Resource Makes It Easier for People to Access Data on Rural Development funded Projects in Rural Communities
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U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Here is a regional breakdown of domestic crop and livestock production for the week of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
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While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
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Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
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Rising rural business confidence supports local ag economies, but taxes and labor shortages remain key constraints.
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CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
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