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Ag Forecast and Economy Looking Fair, But Many Farmers Still Struggling

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Minnesota and the Dakotas have seen snow and rain in recent weeks that have hampered an already difficult harvest. But much of the Corn Belt has somewhat recovered from heavy rains in the spring and summer, with experts predicting good yields from what did get planted.  

Steve Nicholson, a grains and oilseeds analyst with Rabobank in St. Louis, says that even though many farmers are still struggling, he believes the markets would be a lot more unsettled if a total disaster was looming.

Plains and Western states showed an improved rural economy this month, but the ongoing trade disputes continue weighing on the economy.

The Rural Mainstreet survey's overall index climbed to 51.4 for October from 50.1 in September. Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy, while a score below 50 indicates a shrinking economy.

Sioux City Animal Control confirmed they are investigating a dog bite that may have involved a pit bull, according to the Sioux City Journal.

The news comes on the heels of the Sioux City Council's 4-1 vote on Monday of moving forward a motion that would repeal a controversial, decades-long ban on pit bulls.

Police assisted animal control Wednesday afternoon as they confiscated a dog they believed bit a person in the arm and hand last week. The person was treated at a local hospital.

Animal Control says the investigation will help determine if the dog is a pit bull. 

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