A monthly economic survey index for nine Midwest and Plains states dipped last month, suggesting only slow growth for the region over the next three to six months.

The Mid-America Business Conditions index hit 53.1 in February, compared with 53.2 in January and 49.5 in December.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the region’s manufacturing sector “continues to restrain overall growth for the region and nation.”

The survey of business leaders and supply managers uses a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth while a score below 50 suggests decline for that factor.

The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.