South County Mail

Missouri and the World

Features

Even major oil producers are preparing for a post-oil future

by Leave a Comment

The decision by the United Arab Emirates to leave OPEC after nearly six decades may signal more than a disagreement over production quotas.

According to a new analysis published by The Conversation, the move reflects growing concern among some major oil-producing countries that the long-term future of global oil demand may be weaker than previously expected.

The UAE officially announced its departure from OPEC after 59 years amid rising geopolitical tensions, disagreements over production strategy and accelerating changes in the global energy market. [Read more…] about Even major oil producers are preparing for a post-oil future

Inside Missouri’s factories: How automation is transforming manufacturing jobs

by Leave a Comment

Automation is rapidly transforming Missouri’s manufacturing sector, reshaping job roles, enhancing productivity, and attracting significant investments.

Here’s an in-depth look at how automation is influencing the state’s industrial landscape. [Read more…] about Inside Missouri’s factories: How automation is transforming manufacturing jobs

How AI is reshaping Missouri’s jobs market

by Leave a Comment

Missouri, the 19th most populous state in the US, boasts a population of approximately 6.28 million as of 2025. The state’s largest cities include Kansas City (510,704 residents), St. Louis (281,754), Springfield (170,188), and Columbia (129,330).

Economically, Missouri is diverse, with key industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and technology. [Read more…] about How AI is reshaping Missouri’s jobs market

Opinion: Why so many jobs are going unfilled, and what it means for Missouri and the US

by Leave a Comment

In towns and cities across Missouri – and throughout the country – it’s becoming harder to miss the signs: “Help Wanted”. They hang in shop windows, hospital lobbies, factory entrances, and farm gates. And yet, millions of Americans remain unemployed, and many more have left the workforce entirely.

This disconnect between available jobs and available workers has become one of the defining challenges of our post-pandemic economy. [Read more…] about Opinion: Why so many jobs are going unfilled, and what it means for Missouri and the US

How and why Missouri and America is grappling with a labor shortage

by Leave a Comment

Missouri’s economy, like much of the United States, is at a crossroads. On one hand, job openings abound in nearly every industry.

On the other, businesses – from farms to factories – are struggling to find enough people willing to work. The result is a paradox that’s defining the post-pandemic era: a labor shortage in the midst of economic opportunity. [Read more…] about How and why Missouri and America is grappling with a labor shortage

Missouri at risk: How Trump’s tariffs could hit farming, manufacturing, and logistics

by Leave a Comment

By South County Mail Staff Writer

As global markets continue to tumble in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs, industries across Missouri – from soybean fields to factory floors – are bracing for impact.

The tariffs, which have triggered retaliation from key trading partners like China and the European Union, are expected to hit especially hard in states like Missouri that rely heavily on exports, manufacturing supply chains, and freight logistics. [Read more…] about Missouri at risk: How Trump’s tariffs could hit farming, manufacturing, and logistics

Trump’s new tariffs send markets into freefall: What it means for Missouri and the nation

by Leave a Comment

Wall Street reels as global sell-off intensifies; economists warn of recession ahead

By South County Mail Staff Writer

Global markets took a nosedive late last week after former President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new set of tariffs – and the financial shockwaves are being felt from New York to Missouri.

The US stock market saw its worst losses in years on Friday, with the S&P 500 dropping 6 percent, the Dow Jones falling 5.5 percent, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq losing nearly 6 percent. As markets open this Monday morning, April 7, investors across the country – including here in South County – are bracing for more potential losses. [Read more…] about Trump’s new tariffs send markets into freefall: What it means for Missouri and the nation

Flooding devastates Midwest. Missouri among hardest hit

by Leave a Comment

Severe storms and relentless rainfall have battered large swaths of the Midwest and South in recent days, leaving a trail of destruction, rising floodwaters, and at least 18 people dead across several states.

Missouri is among the hardest hit, with emergency officials warning that the worst may not be over as rivers continue to swell and additional rain looms in the forecast.

According to the National Weather Service, parts of Missouri have received more than 10 inches of rain since Friday, leading to widespread flash flooding, road closures, and water rescues. [Read more…] about Flooding devastates Midwest. Missouri among hardest hit

Consensus seems to support the view that tariffs will negatively affect the United States

by Leave a Comment

On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a series of sweeping tariffs during what he termed the “Liberation Day” speech.

These measures include a universal 10 percent tariff on all imports, with additional, higher tariffs targeting specific countries based on trade imbalances.

For instance, China faces a 34 percent tariff, the European Union 20 percent, and Japan 24 percent. The administration asserts that these tariffs aim to bolster domestic manufacturing and rectify longstanding trade deficits. [Read more…] about Consensus seems to support the view that tariffs will negatively affect the United States

Missouri net farm income takes another dip in 2024

by

Missouri net farm income is projected to decline in 2024, for the second consecutive year. That’s the latest from the University of Missouri’s Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center’s (RaFF) Fall 2024 Missouri Farm Income Outlook.

Published bi-annually, the report provides state-wide projections of key farm financial indicators for the Show-Me State. Cash receipts, production statistics, government payments and other elements pertaining to agricultural profitability are evaluated to project the state’s net farm income.

Despite its projected $697 million decline to $3.66 billion in 2024, net farm income is still the fourth highest on record in Missouri’s history, following 2021 (third highest), 2022 (record-high), and 2023 (second highest). The report projects that farm receipts will decline an overall $1.66 billion, mostly driven by lower crop receipts and farm related income (crop insurance indemnities). [Read more…] about Missouri net farm income takes another dip in 2024