Record farm income is fueling economic growth in Iowa and across the Midwest, according to Creighton University’s latest survey of supply managers and business leaders. Creighton economist Ernie Goss says the Hawkeye State’s economy is continuing to build momentum, the only problem is finding enough workers to go ’round. Goss says economic activity in Iowa is “real good,” especially for firms with strong ties to agriculture. He expect that growth to continue well into 2005. Goss says some firms and industries are growing so quickly, they’re having difficulty finding skilled workers. That’s the sort of growing pain that Goss says may have to be endured. Some of those positions won’t be filled but it won’t significantly restrict growth. Iowa’s gained nearly ten-thousand jobs this year, with the pace picking up recently. Goss says the picture is particularly good for durable goods manufacturers. He says the combination of large harvests, normal prices for crops and high prices for livestock are having positive impacts on the state and regional economy.
