The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) for March slipped drastically from February’s already weak numbers. According to Creighton University, "The stronger U.S. dollar is undermining the farm and energy sectors by weakening agricultural exports, crop prices, livestock prices and energy prices.
Rural Mainstreet businesses dependent on export, agriculture or energy are experiencing pullbacks in economic activity," said Ernie Goss, Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University's Heider College of Business.