Blog Posts & Stories

While working as a software engineer, Gary Fehr took an interest in learning where his food comes from, why it matters, what methods are used, and how they affect the environment and local economies...

On Aug. 30, the Center for Rural Affairs joined Landon and Anne Plagge, and Practical Farmers of Iowa in hosting an on-farm visit and discussion about agriculture and conservation with U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) takes a holistic approach to implementing environmentally beneficial practices on a farm or ranch while still allowing the...

On Aug. 24, the U.S. House of Representatives moved forward the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act, which includes investments in roads, bridges, other major public infrastructure projects, and broadband.

Iowa landowner Lee Tesdell would like to see more landowners begin to think seriously about conservation and for many, like him, that means working collaboratively with those who rent their land.

La población cubana en Columbus, Nebraska, está creciendo. Como asistente legal de inmigración, Ana Villegas ha visto crecer a esta comunidad de primera mano, y ella y su esposo, Jesús Ramos, decidieron que querían encontrar una manera de ayudar a estos recién llegados a sentirse como en casa.

The Cuban population in Columbus, Nebraska, is booming. As an immigration paralegal, Ana Villegas has seen this community grow firsthand, and she and her husband, Jesus Ramos, decided they wanted to find a way to help these newcomers feel at home.

On July 1, Burt County lost its only hospital. Most recently operated by MercyOne, it served the county and surrounding towns for more than 70 years. Now, residents will have to drive to a neighboring county for emergency and other essential services.

Any farmer or rancher who is interested in conservation programs through the Natural Resources Conservation Service is required to have a farm number for the application process.

The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations recently approved a draft bill to fund various government programs in fiscal year 2022. Prepared by the committee’s Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and...

Cynthia Huhman siempre ha amado la artesanía y la costura, pero tener un negocio de bordado nunca estuvo en su radar.

During the global coronavirus pandemic, Cynthia started creating graphic T-shirts as a way to relax while dealing with the stresses of the outside world. And, in January 2021, when a friend approached Cynthia about taking over her business, she thought carefully about the prospect of becoming her own boss.

The future of Nebraska’s energy generation is up for debate and the voice of rural residents is needed to make sure it’s a sustainable, resilient, and responsible one.

Not often do we consider the possibilities that emerge from a school cafeteria. Most of the time, they’re places where students enjoy a break, eat a meal, and socialize with friends. The cafeteria is, absolutely, all of these things, but it’s also much more as many groups around our state are realizing. Our school cafeterias can be transformed into both the largest classrooms and restaurants in Nebraska.

When Sheyla Campos and Antonio Fombellida Garcia started their business Handyman Antonio, in Grand Island, Nebraska, they made sure everything was by the book.

After more than 70 years, the community of Oakland, Nebraska, has no hospital. Citing low in-patient and emergency room volume, hospital officials announced the closure of MercyOne Oakland in June—leaving all of Burt County without a facility.

The Center for Rural Affairs has been on Chuck Karpf’s radar since 1979. Although he didn’t have much contact with the Center until the 1980s and ‘90s, he has become an active supporter over the years and now serves on the Board of Directors.

A self-described “free spirit,” Ashley Nisley has explored a variety of occupations over the years. From licensed cosmetologist to licensed insurance agent, Ashley also has worked as an office clerk, bartender and, on occasion, a waitress, until developing an interest in fine jewelry that led to her becoming a business owner.

The effects of climate change are laid out in a new United Nations report, which pointed to greenhouse gas emissions. While global leaders address broader issues, local efforts continue to protect natural resources, including giving farmers an easier path to conservation resources.

Nebraska businesses with no more than five employees now can apply for up to $20,000 in tax credits. Johnathan Hladik, policy director at the Center for Rural Affairs, said because funds are limited, now is the time to get in line for the Nebraska Advantage Microenterprise Tax Credit.