Plunge in Rural Mainstreet Index reflecting GOP failures...again

Creighton University's Ernie Goss follows the economies of ten midwestern states including South Dakota's where the manufacturing sector lost about 800 jobs over the last year or 1.8% of its manufacturing base, ag workers still face severe stressors and a mental health provider shortage affects 62 of South Dakota's 66 counties. 

This month's Index dropped below growth neutral for the fifth time in the past six months, bankster confidence plummeted to 42.1 or well below 50.0 growth neutral and the economic confidence index slumped to 34.2 from June's 42.1. Goss says low commodity prices, high diesel and fertilizer costs and a worldwide economic slowdown are also driving numbers down and because of the continuing trade-tariff volatility farm equipment sales continue to lag to a very weak 27.8 down from June's 28.9. 

Hot and dry conditions are degrading pastures nationwide but South Dakota is facing the worst ratings.

The July RMI for South Dakota declined to 43.4 from 54.7 in June. The state’s farm and ranchland price index decreased to 55.0 from June’s 57.7. [Rural Mainstreet Index Plummets for July]