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 rural prosperity prevail in 2008?
Akers, Maria; Henderson, Jason (2008-01)
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 ...
Economic Review , Volume 93 , Issue Q I , Pages 69-86

Journal Article
Coming home to rural America: demographic shifts in the Tenth District
Henderson, Jason; Akers, Maria (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
Can rising exports sustain the farm boom?
Akers, Maria; Henderson, Jason (2008)
Main Street Economist , Issue 2

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

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

Journal Article
Commodities underpin rural economic growth
Akers, Maria; Henderson, Jason (2012)
Main Street Economist , Issue 1

Journal Article
Less uncertainty about future corn prices highlights liquidity
Akers, Maria; Kauffman, Nathan (2013)
Main Street Economist , Issue 5 , Pages 1-7

Journal Article
Farm spending surges with record incomes
Henderson, Jason; Akers, Maria (2007)
Main Street Economist , Issue 6