Recent issues
Missouri Economy Indicators, Vol. 6, Issue 9: Agribusiness Workforce Needs – July 21, 2025 (PDF)
In a recent analysis of agribusinesses across eight Midwest states, 75% of businesses identified a shortage of skilled workers as the primary barrier to expanding employment. Around half of agribusiness employers indicated that applicants with problem-solving and communication skills were hard to find. Roughly one in 20 private-sector workers (5%) are employed in agribusiness. In Missouri, agribusiness employment is notably higher in nonmetro counties (12%) than in metro counties (4%).
Missouri Economy Indicators, Vol. 6, Issue 8: Urban and Rural Business Churn – June 23, 2025 (PDF)
As of May 2025, Missouri recorded more than 11,000 new business applications from employers likely to hire workers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Application data indicates intent to start a business, but actual openings and closures provide a more complete view of business survival. New businesses open each year, but a comparable number of older firms often close. The U.S. Census Bureau’s Business Dynamics Statistics data provides insights into business entries and exits, known as business churn, across Missouri.
Missouri Economy Indicators, Vol. 6, Issue 7: Energy Investment Trends– May 12, 2025 (PDF)
Missouri utilities are increasing electricity generation to meet rising energy demands fueled by data center growth and extreme weather events. Renewable energy projects represent 97% of planned generation capacity with grid connection agreements in place. More than half of proposed energy investments involve large-scale solar installations, and one in three projects include battery storage to improve grid stability.