OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - An index of rural economic health in nine Midwestern and Plains states declined for the second consecutive month, even as the monthly hiring index rose to a record high, according to a survey of bank executives.

The Mainstreet economic index for non-urban, agriculturally dependent portions of the nine states hit 66.4 in May, down from April's level of 66.9, although the slowed growth is still significant, said Creighton University economist Ernie Goss.

A reading of 50.0 is growth neutral, and this year's reading is "well above last year's 54.5," Goss said.

He and Bill McQuillan, chief executive officer of City National Bank in Greeley, Neb., created the monthly economic survey.

Rural bank presidents and chief executives were surveyed about current economic conditions in their states and their expectations for six months from now. The states are Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Ethanol production and high farm income continue to drive the economy into very health territory.

"This month we asked the bankers whether financing rapidly expanding ethanol production in the region represented a potential threat to Mainstreet investing banks," Goss said. "Only 10.4 percent of the CEOs reported a significant concern."

As the monthly hiring index rose to 68.3 for May, up from April's 65.3 and 62.1 in May last year, skilled labor shortages slowed job growth in some areas.

"Bankers are increasingly reporting labor shortages, especially those located close to ethanol plants," Goss said. "The demand is strong for welders and other skilled construction workers."