NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — The September NFIB Small Business Optimism Index slipped to 98.8 after three months of gains, while the Uncertainty Index jumped to 100 — one of the highest readings in decades.
For rural America, where farm supply dealers, repair shops, haulers, and service businesses anchor local economies, softer sentiment and higher uncertainty can translate into tighter margins, cautious hiring, and more selective inventory buying as harvest cash flows move through towns.
Price pressure remains a headwind. A net 24 percent of owners raised prices, and 31 percent plan to do so in the next three months; 14 percent named inflation as their top problem.
Supply chain effects touched 64 percent of firms, up 10 points. Inventory readings swung sharply, with a net negative 7% calling stocks “too low” — the largest monthly decline on record.
Labor stayed tight: 32 percent reported unfilled openings; among those hiring, 88 percent saw few or no qualified applicants. Compensation rose at a net 31 percent of firms, with 19 percent planning increases.
Credit and investment conditions are steady but not strong. A net 7 percent said their last loan was harder to get, and the average short-term rate rose to 8.8 percent. Capital outlays held flat, and sales trends stayed negative on net — signals that rural main streets may lean conservative on equipment, vehicles, and expansion through winter.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Expect firmer shop prices, leaner inventories, and selective hiring in ag-adjacent businesses — plan parts, service, and financing needs earlier.
Chris McGovern from Connected Nation joined us Tuesday to break down the findings and discuss their implications for rural America.
September 30, 2025 01:12 PM
·
The Final Grain Stocks Report may be the last key figures we see if a government shutdown halts future updates.
September 30, 2025 12:25 PM
·
Livestock and government payments provide a boost, but crop receipts and rising expenses keep pressure on margins. Strong financial planning remains key in a volatile environment.
September 30, 2025 10:45 AM
·
The total value of the U.S. potato crop was $4.60 billion in 2024, representing an 8% decrease from the previous year.
September 29, 2025 06:00 PM
·
Crop-specific shifts and strong prices highlight the variability of this year’s fruit and tree nut harvest, according to USDA data.
September 29, 2025 05:11 PM
·
The decline in production marks the second consecutive year of contraction in the U.S. turkey industry.
September 29, 2025 05:05 PM
·
The USDA noted that peanut edible utilization season-to-date is down 3% on the year, despite overall stocks increasing.
September 29, 2025 04:55 PM
·
A booming butterfat market is good for some dairy products but threatens efficiency and margins for cheesemakers unless protein levels catch up
September 29, 2025 12:53 PM
·
Land values are increasing faster than farm income, making it more challenging for young and beginning farmers to expand, but supporting equity for current landowners.
September 29, 2025 09:58 AM
·
