Blog Posts & Stories

Before settling in South Sioux City, Nebraska, Alejandro Macias grew up in San Julian, Jalisco, Mexico. His mother owned a pharmacy there and sold a wide variety of items along with medications and pharmaceutical products.

At the age most farmers and producers retire, Sylvia Burgos Toftness and her husband, David, bought land and established their farm as a platform for conversation and education.

Students in eight rural Nebraska schools will soon be getting hands-on experience in "specialty crop" production thanks to a two-year U.S. Department of Agriculture grant awarded to the Center for Rural Affairs.

Access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet continues to be a challenge in rural America, and its absence denies residents, industries, and small businesses a vital service.

On Friday, Aug. 25, U.S. Reps. Zach Nunn (IA-3) and Angie Craig (MN-2) introduced the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act of 2023. The legislation would make improvements to the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) and expand opportunities for rural small businesses for years to come. We encourage you to show your support.

Muchos pequeños negocios comienzan como un poderoso equipo de una o dos personas y rápidamente se dan cuenta de la necesidad que tienen de ayuda adicional. ¿Cree que es hora de agregar uno o dos empleados para ayudar a compartir la carga?

Many small businesses begin as a mighty team of one or two and quickly recognize the need for additional help. Do you think it’s time to add an employee or two to the mix to help share the load?

August marks a unique point in farm bill negotiations. The farm bill is being drafted now, and we could see Congress take action soon. This means we may need your help in the near future.

Founder of Seafood Ninja, in Sunrise, Florida, Adriana Sanchez says one of the reasons she loves the work is because it’s ultimately about people and supporting communities that are leading the way to make sure our oceans are a little healthier.

Farm bill negotiations are in full swing in Washington D.C., laying the groundwork for rural and agriculture policy for years to come. We want to be sure your voice is heard during these negotiations.

Kaelyn Armstrong, una ávida amante del café, decidió que quería abrir un negocio propio. Con el apoyo de muchas de sus amigas enfermeras, combinó su amor por el café y su pasión por servir a los demás cuando abrió su cafetería móvil, Saved By The Well.

Kaelyn Armstrong, an avid coffee lover, decided she wanted to open a business of her own. With the encouragement of her many friends, she combined her love of coffee and passion to serve others when she opened her mobile coffee shop, Saved By The Well.

Nebraska has been bombarded with television commercials, radio ads, social media posts, and text messages about the petition drive to repeal LB 753, also known as the Opportunity Scholarships Act (OSA).

Why should you sign the petition to repeal LB 753, the Opportunity Scholarship Act? Let's start by stating the intent language at the top of the referendum petition: "The object of this petition is to: Repeal LB 753, passed by the 108th Nebraska Legislature in 2023, which (1) authorizes certain nonprofit organizations to provide scholarships to eligible students to attend a qualified private elementary or secondary school, and (2) provides individuals and corporations tax credits for financial contributions to these organizations."

There’s a certain charm and nostalgia related to farmers markets in rural communities. The tradition of farmers, gardeners, artisans, and bakers bringing their wares to town to sell at the market has been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

I wrote my first letter to a local government official at age 8, advocating for the installation of a stop sign at the end of my road for the safety of children (mostly, my sister and me) riding bicycles in the area. The county monitored traffic for several weeks, considered the data, and heeded my plea

For the past six years, Matt and Emely Hendl have been honing their agricultural skills as a family of first-generation farmers. While they feel they’ve become experts in some areas, they keep an open mind when they have the opportunity to learn something new.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) has helped farmers and ranchers across the country achieve conservation goals on their operations for nearly two decades. At the Center for Rural Affairs, we have the privilege of working with many of these producers every day.

Zulema Knievel greatly enjoys the sense of community and peace rural communities have to offer. Growing up, her parents always encouraged her to volunteer, making it clear how important it was to be active in our community.

Nathan and Emily Paulsen have a passion for all things food and taking care of animals at their farm, Brun Ko Farms in Exira, Iowa. But the Paulsen's aren't in agriculture just for financial reasons; they also give back to surrounding communities by donating their time and produce.