rural bankers

The overall economic index for the region more than doubled to 37.9 in June from May’s 12.5, but it remained at a weak level.

Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy, while a score below 50 indicates a shrinking economy.

The survey's overall index dropped to 51.5 from December's 54.2.

A new monthly survey of bankers suggests the economy remains weak in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states, but it improved slightly.

Drought conditions in some areas and weak grain prices are among factors weighing heavily on the rural economy in parts of 10 Plains and Western states.