BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) - North Dakota’s rural economy continued to deteriorate in October, with key indicators showing contraction across agriculture, employment, and trade, according to the latest Rural Mainstreet Index.

The state’s overall index fell to 38.7, down sharply from 52.2 in September, signaling economic decline in rural communities. Farmland prices also slipped, with the index dropping to 46.1 from 46.4, remaining below the growth-neutral threshold for the 17th time in 18 months.

Hiring slowed significantly, as the state’s new hiring index fell to 48.3 from 59.4 the previous month. Bankers reported rising farm loan delinquencies, which increased from 1.1% in June to 1.6% in October.

North Dakota’s agricultural and livestock exports dropped 3.9% year-over-year, falling to $568

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