Blog Posts & Stories

Input from producers and a review of the market led the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to add to and expand the list of commodities eligible for assistance under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).

Las aportaciones de los productores y una revisión del mercado llevaron al Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA) a agregar y ampliar la lista de productos elegibles para recibir asistencia bajo el Programa de Asistencia Alimentaria Coronavirus (CFAP).

​​​​​​​A bipartisan committee in the U.S. House of Representatives recently released a comprehensive plan outlining the policy steps needed to address climate change.

Nearly two years after voters approved a measure to expand Medicaid, Nebraskans will finally start to see the benefits take shape.

The wind-energy industry has a strong presence in states such as Iowa. But for more projects to move forward, a new report says local governments and developers need to be diligent in sorting out zoning issues.

A long-time fan of the Center for Rural Affairs’ work, Patty Plugge has been an enthusiastic voice in rural matters well before actually partnering with the organization. And, because of her...

The State of Nebraska is reopening the Small Business Stabilization Grant Program with expanded eligibility. Businesses who have 1 to 75 employees, lost revenue due to COVID-19, and withhold state...

​​​​​​​Ann Wolf not only leads a strong conservation nonprofit organization in Iowa, but also as a woman landowner, focusing on building her climate resiliency.

The death of George Floyd at the hands of police has ignited a movement. Floyd’s senseless and brutal death is yet another chapter in a long history of racism in our country. Demonstrations have...

Rural farmers markets play an important social and cultural role in addition to helping connect food providers and consumers. This spring, we’ve had the chance to talk one on one with dozens of market...

The Center for Rural Affairs pursues a mission to establish strong rural communities. We have been able to provide support for rural residents to start or expand existing businesses through grant, loan and training programs, to implement conservation practices on their farms and ranches, and to access proper lines credit with the help of federal programs.

In many communities across rural America, we are beginning to ease into the new norms and routines of quarantine. Each of us is attending to the impacts of COVID-19 on our friends, families, and communities as we all reflect on these unprecedented times.

Norma Cell Marquez had a desire to ensure the Latino community was informed of current events in Nebraska. Her dream was to keep people up to date in Spanish, so no one was left out of the loop on...

The Center for Rural Affairs is committed to helping our local business partners cope with the economic impact of COVID-19. It’s part of our mission to build prosperous, healthy, and inclusive communities. And, it’s the right thing to do.

A source of comfort, a home away from home, a creative outlet, and a place to expand knowledge and enlighten the minds of young and old alike—libraries are some of our most treasured resources.

They may not be big, but small businesses are having a huge impact in your rural community. Yet, when the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law, Congress left them out.

This year’s legislative session in Iowa was unprecedented. Taking place in two separate parts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, state lawmakers adjourned for the final time this year on June 14.

We have access to daily reports from public health officials about best practices and current health directives; however, attempting to fully comprehend the magnitude of the coronavirus pandemic is difficult for everyone.

Bayer settles Roundup suits Bayer, maker of the widely used herbicide Roundup, will pay $10 billion to settle tens of thousands of claims filed by consumers alleging a link between their use of...

For more than a decade, the Center for Rural Affairs and the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, in Columbus, Nebraska, have enjoyed a productive partnership. Various staff members have taken the reins...