Iowa’s agricultural economy is taking a blow from the recent gasoline price jump, according to a Creighton University economist. Dr. Ernie Goss says the higher prices are being felt by everyone, but the situation is having a greater impact on the ag industry.Iowa’s jobless rate took a slight uptick in January, halting at 2-point-2 percent. That’s up one-tenth of a point from December. Iowa’s unemployment rate is still well below the national jobless rate of 4-percent. Dr. Goss says that’s another reason Iowa’s not growing as quickly as it could.The state’s economy overall is on an upward trend, says Goss, who adds there are bright signs for Iowa’s farm economy.Goss says the state’s continued performance points toward a further improving state economy in the coming months.
