It's no surprise that restraints in farm income are affecting rural economies, but a monthly survey from Creighton University puts some numbers on it.

The Rural Mainstreet Index rose to 38.4 in November, inching its way slowly back toward a growth neutral 50.0.

The index based on surveys of community bank presidents and CEOs in about 200 rural communities in 11 states, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

"The RMI has remained below growth neutral for 21 consecutive months. The decline in farm income related to pullbacks in agricultural commodities from last year ...