Blog Posts & Stories

Biochar is an agricultural practice that is gaining in popularity—but what is it?

Today is Day 10 of South Dakota’s 38-day legislative session, which will conclude March 28. All bills need to be introduced by Feb. 3 (Legislative Day 16) and must pass out of both houses by March 7...

Bill introduction wrapped up last week, with 593 introduced. The Legislature’s morning business has been devoted to floor debate of senator priority bills, while afternoon’s have seen a number of committee hearings.

We’re in the third week of Iowa’s legislative session, and the Center for Rural Affairs continues to track bills and the activities that impact rural Iowa.

For the first time, the Triumph of Ag Exposition will feature an award presented to a veteran in agriculture. According to the organizers, the 2022 show will provide an opportunity to recognize an outstanding farmer veteran who is dedicated to growing a successful farm operation as well as serving our country.

A federal initiative providing a monthly discount on broadband is not being used to its full potential in many states.

A lifelong Nebraskan, Becky Parker’s love for rural America began when she was a child. Today, that love remains strong and has blossomed into a passion for helping others see their dreams come true.

Iowa's tax credit for installing solar-energy systems is no longer in place, but lawmakers still face pressure to provide payments to those who were on a waiting list. The credit was allowed to expire at the end of 2021 - and with the money set aside for residential installments already spent, those who applied but hadn't been paid were out of luck.

For thousands of farming operations across the country, small grains provide big benefits. Producers growing small grains cite reasons ranging from conservation purposes to the requirements of organic certification to diversification of income streams to taking advantage of local markets.

Last week saw the introduction of more than 200 new bills and resolutions. This week senators began debate on priority bills that have been carried over from the 2021 session. New bills will continue to be introduced this week as well.

The 2022 Iowa legislative session began yesterday, and we are returning to provide legislative updates from a rural perspective. This year’s session is expected to last 100 calendar days, ending in mid-April.

Today marks the first day of the 2022 South Dakota legislative session. The Center for Rural Affairs will be tracking policies that affect the rural quality of life and intersect with our goal of building vibrant rural communities.

Hogs have become the heart of Matt and Emely Hendl’s home operation in Milford, Nebraska.

An unused greenhouse and students looking for a service project lined up for a great opportunity. Last spring, Diane Smith, Assistant Professor of Nursing at Mount Marty University, was weighing her...

If you recently bought meat from a local farmer, you are not alone. Over the past 22 months, millions of Americans quit overpaying at the grocery store and began buying food grown closer to home. This is good news for local livestock producers and the independent meat lockers they partner with.

We are returning to provide legislative updates from a rural perspective. The Nebraska Legislature convened its 2022 session today, Wednesday, Jan. 5. This will be a “short” session—legally mandated to be 60 working days—it is tentatively scheduled to adjourn on April 20.

Below is our agenda for the 2022 Nebraska legislative session. These are items we believe will be debated during the session and for which we have been preparing. As happens every year, there will be bills introduced and issues that arise that we do not know about at this time. We reserve the right to engage as necessary.

Below is our agenda for the 2022 Iowa legislative session. These are items we believe will be debated during the session and for which we have been preparing. As happens every year, there will be bills introduced and issues that arise that we do not know about at this time. We reserve the right to engage as necessary.

It's official! The first day of 2022 is here. We present our most viewed blog post of 2021, authored by Kayla Bergman in January. Featuring one of our board members, this piece takes a look at a...

In our second highest viewed post of 2021, we feature details on applying for forgiveness on the Paycheck Protection Plan loan, a loan that was offered to small business owners as part of COVID-19...