Hog prices have increased, in large measure due to export demand from Asia, and packers report difficulty in securing enough hogs to keep kill facilities running at efficient levels. One packer in Sioux Falls, S.D., is temporarily laying off one shift due to difficulty in securing enough hogs. Appliances are reportedly selling well in several cities, as well as apparel, sports and recreation products and other general merchandise. Other cities around the district also have generally strong auto sales, but in rural areas or smaller towns, sales reports vary greatly with specific local economic conditions. Despite unpleasantly cool weather for the Minnesota fishing opener, camps, parks, and resorts report generally good business early in the season.
Inquiries are up in some states, and tourist operators are generally in a positive frame of mind.
Such remarks are common in all parts of the district, except Montana. Employers also report wage pressures for many skilled blue-collar specialties including most construction trades, auto mechanics and machinists. Many note a continuing move to extend benefits to groups of workers previously not covered. One Wisconsin contractor reportedly paid full wages to an idle crew for three weeks between jobs, just to avoid losing them to competitors. In contrast to labor markets, where reports of wage pressures are common, few price increases are evident.