Blog Posts & Stories

​​​​​​​Battling a tough farm economy and increasingly unpredictable weather, farmers are often looking for ways to reduce costs on their operations.

Recently, the Center for Rural Affairs outlined our appropriations priorities for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program in a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate...

Rural communities are showcasing resiliency by ensuring kids are fed during widespread school closures caused by the coronavirus. In my hometown of West Point, Nebraska, the schools have closed for...

On March 16, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nebraska Legislature postponed its 2020 session until it is safe and necessary to call members back. The Legislature did reconvene on Monday after Speaker Jim Scheer announced last week that senators will meet for three legislative days for the sole purpose of addressing needs arising from the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Nebraska. LB 1198, which was amended to provide $83.6 million in emergency funding, advanced to final reading on a unanimous vote.

As you are probably aware, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Iowa Legislature has suspended its session until April 15 to combat the spread of the virus. While we will not be tracking any legislation or sending out our regular legislative updates, Center staff will be available as a resource to you during this time of uncertainty.

​​​​​​​As each of us continues to adapt to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it has become abundantly clear—taking care of our community is a crucial component of our way of life in rural Iowa.

As each of us continues to adapt to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it has become abundantly clear—taking care of our community is a crucial component of our way of life in rural Nebraska. We continue to hear stories of neighbors helping neighbors and families pitching in to lend a helping hand. This unprecedented situation has created real economic hardships for many rural Nebraskans, leaving many of us searching for ways to help out.

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...

Please join the Center for Rural Affairs as we embark on the Food Solutions New England 21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge together.

​​​​​​​I showed up a few minutes early for lunch to explore the one-and-a-half block downtown area of Edgerton, Minnesota. Despite the modest population of about 1,100, it is known for a few things—the traditional bakery, unique shops, and Dutch heritage.

After a lengthy fight during the 2019 Iowa legislative session, a unique coalition of agriculture and environmental groups joined forces with MidAmerican Energy, the state’s largest investor-owned utility, to negotiate a consensus agreement to expand solar energy in Iowa.

After a lengthy fight during the 2019 Iowa legislative session, a unique coalition of agriculture and environmental groups joined forces with MidAmerican Energy, the state’s largest investor-owned utility, to negotiate a consensus agreement to expand solar energy in Iowa.

At the Center for Rural Affairs, we make around 100 loans per year to small rural businesses in our home state of Nebraska. We recently launched a new online lending platform to help our clients...

The Center for Rural Affairs is committed to continuing our work for opportunity and justice for everyone in rural America during the rapidly evolving response to the Coronavirus. COVID-19 and the...

The growth of the solar industry has brought a wave of new projects to Nebraska, including a community solar farm in Scottsbluff that's expected to save the city more than $2 million in energy costs over 25 years.

South Dakota’s Legislative Session has nearly reached its conclusion. Thursday was day 36 (out of 37) of the session and Monday was the deadline for all bills or joint resolutions to pass both houses...

“The future of the small farmer is to be innovative — there’s no question about that,” said Larry Haren of Webster City, Iowa. Larry has always sought to be innovative in his operation, which includes row crops, hay and raising registered Polled Herefords. Over the last decade, he has implemented conservation practices with support from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Por ahora, lo más probable es que haya recibido una postal o carta en su buzón invitándole a participar en el Censo 2020.

The Center for Rural Affairs recently submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in regard to a long-promised rule that has the potential to bring greater fairness to livestock and...

By now, you have most likely received a postcard or letter in your mailbox inviting you to participate in the 2020 Census.