Rural Mainstreet Climbs to Highest Level in Almost Two Years

Survey Results at a Glance: • The overall index climbed for month, but remained below growth neutral. Approximately 57.6 percent of bankers reported  rought conditions were having a negative impact on ag-riculture production in their area. • Average yearly cash rents declined by 4.3 percent over the past year to $241 per acre. • On average bankers expect farmland prices to decline by another 3.5 percent over the next year. In August 2016, bank CEOs projected a 6.9 percent decline for next year.