Journal Article

Will rural prosperity prevail in 2008?

Abstract: The rural economy was strong in 2007. Record farm incomes were fueled by rising ethanol demand and by stronger export demand, which was driven in part by a weaker dollar. Farmers used the year?s higher profits both to strengthen their financial conditions and to boost investment in land and equipment. Meanwhile, businesses on Main Streets reaped benefits from the higher farm spending, and the fortunes of energy-dependent regions brightened with higher energy prices. ; As the year progressed, however, the outlook for the rural economy began to dim. Following national trends near the end of the year, Main Street activity waned. The higher costs for gas and heating fuel pinched rural household budgets. And, despite robust outlooks for ethanol production and exports, rising energy costs began to trim profit margins for farm and nonfarm businesses alike.

Keywords: Rural development; Farm income; Rural areas;

Bibliographic Information

Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

Part of Series: Economic Review

Publication Date: 2008

Volume: 93

Issue: Q I

Pages: 69-86