OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Nebraska farmers are navigating uncertainty from commodity prices to borrowing costs, and it’s starting to show up in the latest numbers on the rural economy.

Ben Steffen, a farmer in Humboldt who plants soybean, corn and wheat, said the year has been tough.

“From a personal standpoint, this is the most expensive crop we have put in the ground,” Steffen said.

Economic indicators show decline

In a new study released from Dr. Ernie Goss at Creighton University, the Rural Mainstreet Index — a leading economic barometer for farmers — fell below the break-even mark for the fourth straight month.

“We’re all struggling to pay the bills, pay the rent, and put groceries and try to put something away for our families,” Steffen said.

The study finds nearly half of rural bank CEOs say financial conditions are getting worse.

Fuel and fertilizer costs strain budgets

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