(AP) - A new report suggests that healthy economic growth slowed down this month in rural areas of 10 Midwest and Plains states.
The overall economic index for the region slipped to 55.8 in August from 57.3 in July but was far ahead of the 47.1 in August 2012.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the monthly survey of rural bankers from Omaha. He says drought weighed down the economy last year. He says lower farm commodity prices are dampening the current outlook for the farm economy.
The index ranges from 0 to 100, with 50 representing growth neutral. A score above 50 suggests economic growth in the months ahead.
The index is based on a survey of rural bankers in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Wyoming and the Dakotas.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Severe storms move through NE KS
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
LATEST STORIES
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Trail rides ending at Indian Cave State Park
Atchison's BC names Educator of the Year
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Road, railway repairs, underway in Atchison this week
KS replacement plates see long wait times