Rural Mainstreet Index: Weak Grain Prices Continue to Strain the Rural Economy

The Rural Mainstreet Index remained below growth neutral for the fourth straight month as grain prices stay under pressure.

OMAHA, Neb. (RFD News) — Weak grain prices continue creating financial pressure across agriculture as the latest Rural Mainstreet Index remained below growth neutral for the fourth straight month.

Creighton University economist Dr. Ernie Goss joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the newest numbers and what they could mean for the rural economy moving forward.

In his conversation with RFD News, Goss discussed how weak commodity prices continue impacting farmer cash flow and broader economic conditions across rural communities.

The discussion also focused on expectations from bank CEOs regarding economic growth and how current conditions are affecting farm equipment sales.

Goss additionally discussed the region’s farm and ranchland price index, which expanded after falling for three consecutive months.

Related Stories
Demand for farm loans surged in the first quarter of the year, topping the previous record set in 2016.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us now with the highlights.
Mike Vanmaanen, president of the Livestock Marketing Association, joins us Friday on the Market Day Report for a closer look at the Heritage Act.
RFD-TV Ag Law & Tax Expert Roger McEowen outlines the top ten agricultural law and taxation topics from 2024 that will impact farmers and ranchers the most in 2025.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

LSU economist Dr. Michael Deliberto says fewer planted acres could tighten supplies and support prices for producers.
The culinary instructor and cookbook author discussed protein trends, family meal value and new dairy products appearing in stores.
Moly Manufacturing welcomed renowned cattle expert, Dr. Temple Grandin, as the keynote speaker for its “Beef and Greet” livestock industry event.
Dr. Derrell Peel says the longer the border remains closed to Mexican cattle imports, the more likely some industry changes could become permanent.
Matthew O’Connor continues working with landowners to help protect and restore forests across Georgia.
Producers say limited moisture is creating major challenges for crops and irrigation heading into summer.