Energy District energy activity improved somewhat last month, as higher oil prices offset the negative effect of lower natural gas prices. The district rig count rose 3.5 percent from August and was unchanged from its year-ago level. Agriculture The district's corn and soybean harvest is slightly behind schedule due to wet weather. Reported crop yields are mostly good to excellent, except in parts of western Nebraska and northeast Colorado, where crops sustained extensive hail damage. The wet weather has delayed planting of the district's winter wheat crop.
Most cattle ranchers continue to post losses but cattle feeders have returned to profitability.
As a result of stronger fed cattle prices, feedlots are filling quickly. The large inflow of cattle is expected to put downward pressure on prices as the cattle are marketed next winter and spring. Wages and Prices Labor markets were still tight last month and reports of rising wages increased. Almost all retailers report they have increased wages recently to attract qualified workers. Manufacturers report skilled and unskilled workers remained in short supply, and a greater fraction of companies than in past months say they have responded by increasing wages.