Economic pain in U.S. heartland as likely Fed hike nears

America's heartland, the vast area in the middle of the country that produces much of the nation's food and energy and is home to many of its traditional manufacturers, is sending warning signals that all is not well with the economy. From agriculture to heavy equipment and small business lending, farmers, manufacturers and transport companies that serve them are taking hits from a stronger dollar or plunging prices for farm commodities and oil. Industry executives worry that the expected move by the U.S. Federal Reserve to raise interest rates on Wednesday - which would be the first hike in a decade - could put more jobs at risk.