(AP) — A monthly survey of business leaders suggests the economy in nine Midwest and Plains states will continue growing steadily over the next few months.

The overall economic index for the region declined slightly to 56.2 in May from April’s 56.8, but any score above 50 suggests growth.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey. He says the stronger dollar is hurting prices for farm and energy products, but that has only slowed the growth in those businesses.

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 that suggests decline.

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