Rural Bankers Less Concerned Over Farmland Values

Rural bankers have grown less negative on farmland values, but remain bearish overall, according to the latest reading on banker attitudes conducted by Dr. Ernie Goss, Creighton University and the Rural Mainstreet Index survey of rural bankers in 10 Midwestern states from Colorado to Illinois.The monthly farmland index rose to 46.3 from 42.2 for January, the report found, the highest reading since July 2014, but it is the 51st straight month the index has fallen below growth neutral 50.0. The monthly survey found banker attitudes toward their general economy shifted into positive territory. The overall index soared to 54.8 from 46.8 in January, the highest reading for the overall index since May 2014. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with 50.0 representing growth neutral.