Rural Mainstreet Index: Farmers aren’t confident about the future of the industry

The latest Rural Mainstreet Index shows a dire situation unfolding. It fell below growth neutral for the 17th time in 18 months, and Creighton University economists say trade is the leading factor.

A global economic slowdown certainly is not helping out there, and certainly an supply over, I would argue, an oversupply from some of our competitors, such as Brazil and Argentina, pushing, pushing down, prices are holding, holding them down. I should say prices have improved a bit over the last month or two, but still not in a territory that makes the farmer feel good about what that farmer is making,” said Dr. Ernie Goss.

Dr. Goss says other countries are paying attention to our recent tariff action and adds any potential retaliation is likely to hurt U.S. farmers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

An economist says U.S. ag exports could fall next year due to several factors.
According to the latest Cattle on Feed report, drought brought placement numbers lower.
Experts predict consumers will pay nearly double the price per pound for certain types of turkey than the average cost just five years ago.
The Stoney Ridge Farmer saws live-edge Wild Cherry lumber on the mill on his latest vlog.