Record-low interest rates, strong grain prices and positive export trends have equated to seven straight months of above-average rural farm growth, according to the June Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI). The 10-state monthly survey is only sent to Midwest bank CEOs — the scale rating is from 0 – 100 with a reading of 50 representing neutral growth. June’s overall rating of 70 came in as a slight decrease from May’s 78.8, however the farm equipment sales index increased to 71.6 from 67.9. This is the highest equipment sales level since 2012. See more insights from the June RMI report.