IOWA — The agricultural economy continued to struggle in July, according to the latest Rural Mainstreet Index.

Creighton Economist Ernie Goss says farm equipment sales remained weak, with the equipment sales index staying below growth neutral for the 35th consecutive month.

Despite concerns about farm income, farmland values have remained relatively stable. The farm and ranchland value index stayed above growth neutral for the third straight month, although it slipped slightly from June.

Goss says the current agricultural environment remains difficult for many producers.

In Iowa, the Rural Mainstreet Index fell from 52.3 in June to 41.4 in July. The state’s farmland price index also declined slightly to 52.3, while the hiring index improved to 49.9.

The Rural Mainstreet Index is a monthly survey of rural bankers in 10 Midwestern states.