Journal Article
Financial challenges facing farm enterprises
Akers, Maria; Henderson, Jason (2010)
Main Street Economist , Issue 1

Journal Article
Nebraska firms still hiring
Kauffman, Nathan; Akers, Maria (2013-12)
Nebraska Economist

Journal Article
Will energy markets refuel the rural economy?
Akers, Maria; Henderson, Jason (2007-01)
The rural economy began 2006 facing an uncertain outlook. For two years, rural growth had been unusually strong. But rising energy prices threatened to stall the expansion. Many businesses had already been weakened by high input costs, and many households were feeling squeezed by higher costs for gas and heating fuel. As the year progressed, however, some rural communities were able to harness the power of high energy prices by taking part in its production. ; Energy activity helped boost the fortunes of many rural places, but the rural economy as a whole slowed in 2006. Nonfarm economic ...
Economic Review , Volume 92 , Issue Q I , Pages 53-74

Journal Article
Recession catches rural America
Akers, Maria; Henderson, Jason (2009-01)
As the recession intensified in 2008, rural economies held firm. Through the first half of the year, strong commodity prices supported robust farm incomes and contributed to relatively stronger gains on Main Street. Moreover, the housing correction was less intense than in urban areas, and the financial crisis was less severe than on Wall Street. ; While these factors shielded the rural economy from the worst of the recession, rural America was not immune. The foundations of rural economic strength in 2008--high commodity prices, robust export activity, and rising ethanol demand--were ...
Economic Review , Volume 94 , Issue Q I , Pages 65-87

Journal Article
Will high farmland values hold?
Akers, Maria; Henderson, Jason (2009)
Main Street Economist , Issue 6

Journal Article
Economic gains brighten Nebraska banks' outlook
Kauffman, Nathan; Akers, Maria (2015-02)
Nebraska Economist

Journal Article
A rural rebound in 2010
Akers, Maria; Henderson, Jason (2010)
In 2010, rural America was at the forefront of the economic recovery. As sluggish job growth reined in the U.S. economy, rural firms harnessed stronger global commodity demand and raced ahead of their metro peers. In fact, rural job growth sped up in the second half of the year with jobs stretching 2 percent above year-ago levels in the third quarter, outpacing metro gains. In addition, rising exports of farm commodities and manufactured goods spurred job and income gains in rural communities, fueling optimism for economic prospects in 2011.
Main Street Economist , Issue 5

Journal Article
Coming home to rural America: demographic shifts in the Tenth District
Akers, Maria; Henderson, Jason (2009-07)
Sweeping demographic shifts are challenging the growth of many rural communities in the Tenth District. The retirement of the baby boomers, coupled with the exodus of young adults, threatens to leave rural areas with a rapidly aging population and a shrinking local workforce. The strength of these demographic changes could hinder economic growth for many rural communities in the future. ; Rural communities in the district, however, are quietly enjoying another demographic shift?a return of middle-aged residents to rural places. This shift may be a promising sign for economic growth and wealth ...
Economic Review , Volume 94 , Issue Q III , Pages 65-90

Journal Article
Nebraska manufacturing and housing press onward
Kauffman, Nathan; Akers, Maria (2013-09)
Nebraska Economist

Journal Article
Stronger labor markets spark a spending spree
Henderson, Jason; Akers, Maria (2011-09)
Nebraska Economist , Issue Sept