Blog Posts & Stories

Even with full-time jobs and full lives, Brandon and Lisa Hixon wanted to contribute more to their hometown of Chappell, Nebraska. “We wanted to give something to the town that we thought would make...

It’s widespread knowledge that clean energy has taken its place in the spotlight over the past decade. What’s less known, however, is the rate at which coal plants are going dark. As renewable energy...

With more than 36 languages spoken in Schuyler, Nebraska, population 6,211, community organizations, businesses, and volunteers have pitched in to assist at the weekly COVID-19 vaccination clinic...

As Iowa begins writing the next chapter of our clean energy future, Linn County has arisen as an attractive location for renewable energy projects, such as utility-scale solar. In light of the public dialogue surrounding potential solar energy projects in Linn County, it is important to note that these projects can be both a tool for promoting economic development and investing in the conservation of our natural resources, namely soil and water.

With more and more people looking to buy their meat from local providers, small town meat lockers don’t have the capacity to keep up with demand. During the 2021 legislative session, the Center for Rural Affairs successfully advanced bills that would boost small meat processors looking to grow and improve their operations, which is a vital step in addressing issues in local processing and supporting the growth of rural economies.

Born and raised in various Midwestern farming communities, and currently living in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska, Nancy Meyer has called rural America home for most of her life.

Many beginning entrepreneurs have questions and unknowns that can lead to doubt and, ultimately, giving up.

Rural Americans often don’t receive the same resources or opportunities as those in more urban areas. Amanda McKinney of Beatrice, Nebraska, is working hard to change that. As a physician, Doane...

Eighteen months into the pandemic many group gatherings, including farm tours, continue to be postponed or altered. So instead of having an audience come to the farm, we’ve brought the farm to you, including filmed conversations with members of a producer organization called Women in Local Food and Farming.

Scorching temperatures with little rain might not prompt public fears about flooding, but that isn't stopping leaders in northeastern Iowa from preparing for the next deluge.

Acknowledging the importance of community participation in collecting broadband data, the Nebraska Regional Officials Council (NROC) is asking individuals living in Nebraska and Pottawattamie and...

Small business entrepreneurship is a key source of job creation for rural counties. These businesses generate economic activity that can multiply throughout the community.

On Wednesday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law House File 857, which will provide assistance to new and existing small meat processors across the state. Center for Rural Affairs staff were in attendance, and applauded the bill’s commitment to Iowa’s small processors.

Allen Chlopek has spent his career so far supporting rural America, and, in his newest venture, he wants to continue that trend and make people’s homeownership and business dreams come true. Recently...

In the years since, the Savilles have continued to grow their business, Spiritus Vitae Botanicals, as well as the amount of land they have put into production. They had to relocate their farm several times over the years, but they were not deterred—until now.

Homeownership remains out of reach for many hard-working Nebraska families because of stagnant wages and lack of access to traditional mortgages.

When a long-time Laurel business went on the market and no one was buying, Roger Myers took it upon himself to make sure the town didn’t lose one of its beloved establishments. In November 2020, he bought Floral Footprints, and has successfully run it since.

Earlier this year, President Joe Biden signed an executive order calling for strengthening vulnerable agricultural supply chains and encouraging production here at home.

Great accomplishments often require a cooperative effort. At Litchfield Public Schools, in Litchfield, Nebraska, staff and students have come together over the past school year to grow great success in their greenhouse program, and they have received statewide recognition for their hard work.

Last week, the first session of the 107th Legislature of the State of Nebraska came to an early conclusion. The rural priority bills supported by the Center this year saw tremendous success.