Blog Posts & Stories

On Friday, Congress passed a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown. The legislation also included a second extension of the farm bill, in addition to financial aid for producers impacted by natural disasters and economic hardship over the past year.

If dedicated volunteers and generous donations from the community are the key to running a successful small-town food pantry, the people of Shenandoah, Iowa, have it figured out. Since 1984, the...

After helping tend his family’s garden for many years, Riley Reinke decided to start farming for himself in 2016. His goal was to provide fresh, nutritious food to consumers in local communities...

Rural grocery stores are more than places to shop, they are the heart of their communities. Unfortunately, when there isn’t a transition plan in place, many rural grocers simply close their doors...

While focusing on inclusion in her work, Audrey Lutz Musilek was introduced to the Center for Rural Affairs and saw firsthand the benefit of and need for the Center’s programs. She met like-minded...

Denise O’Brien and Larry Harris have strived to create a brighter future. For almost 50 years, they have worked to preserve and improve the soil health on their farm and fight for thriving rural life...

I want to thank you for all you’ve done to support rural communities this year. Your engagement with our work, your involvement locally, and your financial contributions to the Center strengthen rural America in integral ways.

Mike Wutulski may not be a farmer, but he has found creative ways to maintain the legacy of his family’s farm through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) as well as the CRP–Transition Incentives...

Five farmers markets will be chosen to receive resources and assistance through a project called 2025 Rural Farmers Markets and Local Food Access in Nebraska and Iowa, presented by the Center for...

Starting a small business is a rewarding journey, but it takes time, effort, and often means taking out a loan. For many, a loan is a practical step toward growth. Let’s explore why you might consider applying for a loan, what to have in place before doing so, and how the Center for Rural Affairs can support you every step of the way.

Iniciar un pequeño negocio es un proceso gratificante, pero requiere tiempo, esfuerzo y, a menudo, implica solicitar un préstamo. Para muchos, un préstamo es un paso práctico hacia el crecimiento. Analicemos por qué debería considerar solicitar un préstamo, qué debe tener en cuenta antes de hacerlo y cómo el Center for Rural Affairs puede ayudarlo en cada paso del camino.

With the November election in the rearview mirror, Congress is looking ahead to 2025, but a number of significant measures remain on the docket before Congress adjourns on Dec. 20. In addition to funding the federal government and potentially passing a disaster aid package, lawmakers must pass either a new farm bill or another farm bill extension.

Wind turbine blades play a crucial part in clean energy generation, but their disposal poses a growing challenge. Luckily, innovative solutions provide new ways to keep them out of landfills. As the...

Some of Laura Simpson’s fondest memories are of spending summers as a child playing on the swingset, watching her neighbor dig potatoes in his garden, and going barefoot in the shade of tomato...

In April, the Center for Rural Affairs announced it has been awarded a $62 million grant under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All program. With this grant, the Center will focus on...

REAP, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has been popular since its creation in 2003. In 2024, the program received additional funding and support through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Grants are now available for up to 50% of eligible project costs, and guaranteed loans are available for 75% of the project cost.

The Center for Rural Affairs has an exciting update to share on our efforts to support rural grocers in Nebraska. On Nov. 1, the Agriculture Committee of the Nebraska Legislature held an interim...

Angelyn Wang contributed to this blog. Local food, policy, and community gathering were top of mind for the second annual Local Foods Summit on Nov. 8 in Malvern, Iowa. The summit was hosted by the...

Although he retired from organic farming several years ago, Dave Welsch stays busy. During a recent conversation with his wife, Deb, he counted the number of ways he spends his time: He sits on 10...

I’ve put in some serious windshield time this year. Mornings have been early and evenings have gone late. I’ve honestly loved every minute. And while getting to see different parts of our big, beautiful country is wonderful, the most rewarding part of my travels is meeting people like you.