We are committed to keeping the issues facing rural America in the news media. Here you'll find news on the work we do on public policy, farming and ranching, small businesses, and rural communities.
The Center for Rural Affairs applauds Iowa lawmakers for approving two bills that will support the state’s small meat processors. On Monday, the Iowa Senate passed House File (HF) 2470, which will create the framework for a one-year community college certificate program on artisanal butchery.
- Farm and Food
A free beekeeping workshop hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs, Iowa State University, and Muscatine County Extension will help Iowans who are interested in getting started in the industry.
- Farm and Food
Un taller de apicultura gratuito organizado por el Center for Rural Affairs, la Universidad Estatal de Iowa y la Extensión del Condado de Muscatine ayudará a los habitantes de Iowa que estén interesados en comenzar en la industria.
- Farm and Food
Women landowners are invited to a farm tour to learn more about conservation and working with tenants, and to meet with other women landowners.
- Farm and Food
The Center for Rural Affairs commends members of the Nebraska Legislature for their approval of several key pieces of legislation this session and thanks lawmakers for supporting industries that help make rural Nebraska strong.
- Small Towns
Beginning Latino and other beginning farmers across Nebraska are invited to learn about and discuss soil health and conservation practices during a series of online workshops, “Soil Health Learning Circles,” hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.
- Farm and Food
Los latinos principiantes y otros agricultores principiantes de Nebraska están invitados a aprender y discutir sobre la salud del suelo y las prácticas de conservación durante una serie de talleres en línea, “Círculos de Aprendizaje para la Salud del Suelo,” organizados por el Center for Rural Affairs.
- Farm and Food
For agricultural soils in the midwestern U.S. to continue to be productive, conservation practices must be widely implemented, according to a new report from the Center for Rural Affairs.
- Farm and Food
Registration is now open for the second annual Latina Women in Business Conference: Es Tu Turno, hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs and Small Business Administration. The event is in Spanish only.
- Lending
Ya está abierta la inscripción para la segunda Conferencia Anual de Mujeres Latinas en los Negocios: Es Tu Turno, organizada por el Center for Rural Affairs y Small Business Administration. El evento es solo en español.
- Lending
Los agricultores existentes, principiantes, y latinos de Nebraska y Iowa interesados en escuchar a los agricultores sobre sus operaciones y la aplicación de prácticas específicas para la salud del suelo están invitados a “Soil Health Farm Tours,” organizado por Center for Rural Affairs.
- Farm and Food
Current, beginning, and Latino farmers across Nebraska and Iowa interested in hearing from farmers about their operations and the application of specific practices for soil health are invited to “Soil Health Farm Tours,” hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.
- Farm and Food
The Center for Rural Affairs is encouraged to see support for agricultural producers, including a significant increase in proposed funding for Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA), in the Biden administration’s proposed budget for 2023 announced earlier this week.
- Policy
- Lending
Community members are invited to join the Center for Rural Affairs during the month of April to embark on the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge.
- Small Towns
Just over one year after lawmakers unanimously approved its creation, the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee is recommending nearly $10 million in funding for the Independent Processor Assistance Program (IPAP) as part of the state’s allotment of recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
- Lending
- Small Towns
- Farm and Food
Aquellos en el negocio de cuidado infantil o aquellos que buscan iniciar su propio negocio en la industria están invitados a asistir a una conferencia gratuita presentada en español y patrocinada por el Center for Rural Affairs, en parte con Central Region Early Childhood Spanish Coalition.
- Lending
Those in the child care business or those looking to start their own business in the industry are invited to attend a free conference presented in Spanish and sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs, in part with the Central Region Early Childhood Spanish Coalition.
- Lending
Iowa farmers have until April 8 to apply for conservation funding and planning assistance from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
- Policy
- Farm and Food
The Center for Rural Affairs is pleased to see updates to Nebraska’s Microenterprise Assistance Program among the budget recommendations released Friday by the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee.
- Lending
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Iowa is seeking renewal applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The deadline to apply is April 15.
- Farm and Food
