The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index increased very slightly from June’s weak reading. July’s reading represented the fourth straight month with a reading indicating Recessionary Economic Conditions. The overall index for July climbed to 44.1, well below Growth Neutral, but up from June’s 37.9 and April’s record low 12.1. Creighton University Economist Ernie Goss says Farm Commodity prices are down over 12% over the last 12 months and as a result, despite the beginning of over $16 billion in USDA Farm Support Payments, only 6% of bankers report an improved economy. The Kansas RMI for July rose to 46.4 from June’s 37.6. The State’s Farmland Price Index dipped to 47.0 from 47.7 in June. The new Hiring Index for Kansas advanced to 54.4 from 45.5 in June. Compared to the Pre COVID 19 level, the Kansas Rural Mainstreet Economy is down by 26,000 jobs, or 6.2%.
