Rural Mainstreet Survey Soars In March

      Creighton University’s monthly Rural Mainstreet Survey of bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states indicates a soaring economy. The 10 state region covered by the survey includes Nebraska, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. 

       The overall index of the May survey hit a new record high of 78.8 just two months after setting the previous record at 71.9. It was almost 10 points above April’s 69.0. Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy. 

      Creighton economist Ernie Goss credits the growth to gains from higher grain prices, record-low interest rates, and growing exports – adding that the numbers would be even higher if not for labor shortages.