Survey: Drought dragging down Midwest economy

Posted:

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -

The drought affecting Midwest and Plains states has put a further drag on the regional economy.

A report released Wednesday says July's Mid-America Business Conditions Index plunged below growth neutral for the first time since 2008. The index hit 48.7, compared with 57.2 in June.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the drought has already harmed ethanol and food processors in the region.

The survey of business leaders and supply managers uses a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Any score above 50 suggests growth while a score below 50 suggests decline for that factor.

The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Most Popular StoriesMost Popular StoriesMore>>
Harlan, IA Class of 2013 prove class acts
Harlan, IA Class of 2013 prove class acts
Seniors at Harlan High School have a tradition of turning graduation day pomp into pranks. The class of 2013 decided to leave a legacy, their parents and teachers could be proud of.More >>
Seniors at Harlan High School have a tradition of turning graduation day pomp into pranks. The class of 2013 decided to leave a legacy, their parents and teachers could be proud of.More >>
Huge tornado hits Oklahoma City suburb, kills 51
Huge tornado hits Oklahoma City suburb, kills 51
A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday.More >>
A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds up to 200 mph. At least 51 people were killed, and officials said the death toll was expected to rise.More >>
Clean up begins after at least 19 tornados tear through the Midwest
Clean up begins after at least 19 tornados tear through the Midwest
At least 50 tornados ripped across the midsection of the country Sunday, leaving behind a huge swath of destruction and killing at least two people in Oklahoma.More >>
At least 50 tornados ripped across the midsection of the country Sunday, leaving behind a huge swath of destruction and killing at least two people in Oklahoma.More >>
Sioux City's "french fries" on display once again
Sioux City's "french fries" on display once again
Cranes hoisted the "fries" into place at 2nd and Pierce Streets on Monday.More >>
Cranes hoisted the "fries" into place at 2nd and Pierce Streets on Monday.More >>
Moville, IA man admits to kicking child's teeth out
Moville, IA man admits to kicking child's teeth out
Twenty-eight-year-old Benjamin Fuqua pleaded guilty Thursday in Woodbury County District Court to one count of child endangerment resulting in injury.More >>
Twenty-eight-year-old Benjamin Fuqua pleaded guilty Thursday in Woodbury County District Court to one count of child endangerment resulting in injury.More >>
Argosy owner sues IRGC after gaming license awarded to Hard Rock project
Argosy owner sues IRGC after gaming license awarded to Hard Rock project
The lawsuit states the commission violated state law in making its decision, and destroyed the economic value of the Belle's license when they selected Sioux City Entertainment.More >>
The lawsuit states the commission violated state law in making its decision, and destroyed the economic value of the Belle's license when they selected Sioux City Entertainment to develop the land-based casino in Woodbury County.More >>
Police: Toddlers survive fall from Iowa apartment
Police: Toddlers survive fall from Iowa apartment
Two toddlers have survived falling about 15-feet from an apartment building in Storm Lake.More >>
Two toddlers have survived falling about 15-feet from an apartment building in Storm Lake.More >>
UPDATE: A Norfolk, NE man charged with kidnapping, assaulting estranged wife
UPDATE: A Norfolk, NE man charged with kidnapping, assaulting estranged wife
49-year-old Kevin Heldt is charged with kidnapping, terroristic threats, assault, strangulation, violating a protection order, and possession of methamphetamine.More >>
49-year-old Kevin Heldt is charged with kidnapping, terroristic threats, assault, strangulation, violating a protection order, and possession of methamphetamine.More >>
Huge tornado hits Oklahoma City suburb, kills 51
Huge tornado hits Oklahoma City suburb, kills 51
Hearing on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, Lindsay Carter took advantage of the advanced warning, gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little...More >>
A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against...More >>
Repeat NE Nebraska sex offender gets 20-year prison sentence
Repeat NE Nebraska sex offender gets 20-year prison sentence
A Nebraska man convicted for the third time of having sex with young girls has been sentenced to at least 20 years in prison.More >>
A Nebraska man convicted for the third time of having sex with young girls has been sentenced to at least 20 years in prison.More >>

Survey: Drought dragging down Midwest economy - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Survey: Drought dragging down Midwest economy

Most Popular StoriesMost Popular StoriesMore>>