The Rural Mainstreet Index remained below growth neutral for a fourth straight month in May as weak grain prices, rising input costs, and economic uncertainty continued to pressure rural economies across a ten-state region. Creighton University’s monthly survey of rural bank CEOs showed the overall index fell to 45.7 in May from 47.9 in April. A reading below 50 signals economic contraction. “Weakness in farm commodity prices and elevated agriculture input costs are spilling over into the rural business community,” said Creighton economist Ernie Goss.
Nearly 48 percent of bankers surveyed said farmers’ financial conditions worsened in 2026 compared to a year earlier. The farm equipment sales index dropped to 18.2, marking the 33rd straight month below growth neutral. Bankers also pointed to volatility tied to the Iran conflict, higher fuel prices, and weak farm cash flow expectations. Despite economic pressure, first-quarter agricultural exports from the region increased 7.5 percent.
-NAFB