What's happening with the Center for Rural Affairs? Find the latest on rural America and our work here.
The Iowa Legislature just wrapped up the fourth week of its 2021 legislative session. Bills are moving at a record pace, and we’re doing our best to deliver comments, share resources, and work with legislators to achieve policy solutions that improve the quality of life across rural Iowa.
- Small Towns
- Policy
Today is Day 19 of South Dakota’s 37-day legislative session. The last day for unlimited bill introduction was Thursday, Feb. 2, but it is possible we will see some additional legislation added after this date.
- Small Towns
- Farm and Food
- Policy
When asked why she supports the Center for Rural Affairs, Barbara Dilly responded with a simple, but powerful thought. “The Center is the only rural advocacy resource we have,” she said. “It works on multiple issues at local, regional, state, and national levels.”
- Small Towns
While entrepreneurship may not be for everyone, it is something anyone can take on.
- Lending
Across rural Iowa, farmers, small businesses, and homeowners are leveraging solar energy to lower their costs and invest in the communities they live and work in.
- Policy
While South Dakota’s solar industry is still in its infancy, the Public Utility Commission’s recent approval of the 128 megawatt (MW) Wild Springs Solar Project demonstrates the largely untapped potential of solar energy production in the state.
- Policy
Many people embrace the new year through resolutions. Perhaps on the top of your list is establishing healthier eating habits or learning a new skill each month. For business owners, this is a timely season to enhance processes and strategies by reviewing business plans, which act as roadmaps.
- Lending
As the industry continues to grow, many rural communities across the U.S. have reaped the benefits of clean energy development. Among the hotbeds is the Norfolk, Nebraska, area, which is in the midst of pursuing a community solar project.
- Policy
In April 2020, when most of the world was shut down or sheltering in place due to COVID-19, small business owners were faced with some serious challenges: try to keep their businesses afloat by...
- Lending
Across rural America, we have eased into new norms and routines. Each of us is attending to the impacts of COVID-19 on our friends, families, and communities as we reflect on these unprecedented times.
- Farm and Food
The Value Added Producer Grant program, one of the few U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant programs available directly to farmers and ranchers, is now open. In Nebraska, 35 projects were...
- Farm and Food
Center for Rural Affairs board member Nancy Meyer and her husband, Alan, of Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska, decided to use their time at home during the pandemic to make use of an old cattle cistern on their farmstead.
- Policy
Welcome back to the Center for Rural Affairs Unicameral Update. Last week marked the end of the introduction of new bills in the Nebraska Legislature. This week an adjusted hearing schedule starts, with hearings being held all day, rather than the typical half-day.
- Small Towns
- Farm and Food
- Policy
Welcome to the Pierre Review! Today is Day 10 of South Dakota’s 37-day legislative session, which will conclude March 29. All bills need to be introduced by Feb. 4 (Legislative Day 16) and must pass...
- Small Towns
- Farm and Food
- Policy
The Iowa Legislature began its 2021 legislative session on Monday, Jan. 11. Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working diligently to track bills and follow the activities of the Legislature so we can keep you updated about issues that affect rural Iowa.
- Policy
A lifetime of being an educator and advocate for rural America has provided Leverne “Vern” Barrett with wisdom and knowledge well beyond what most of us could imagine. Since 2009, he’s lent his voice...
- Small Towns
In late December, Congress passed the Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020. A lot has happened in the time since, but we believe this legislation deserves a second look.
- Farm and Food
- Lending
- Small Towns
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans program provide relief to help businesses keep their workforce employed and cover normal operating expenses during the COVID-19...
- Lending
With states across the Midwest continuing to embrace the economic potential of renewable energy, project developers and landowners have the ability to work together to explore opportunities for investments in conservation, according to three new reports released by the Center for Rural Affairs.
- Policy
A new president takes office today. A new Congress is seated. There will be a new leader at the Department of Agriculture. Ten months into a pandemic, change is everywhere in Washington.
- Farm and Food
