Blog Posts & Stories

As lawmakers consider legislation to address the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, a group of 65 small business lenders, including the Center for Rural Affairs, across 32 states are calling on Congress to treat rural and urban businesses equally when it comes to providing relief.

The electric grid in the U.S. was created to provide reliable electricity to consumers. Typically, this meant that most U.S. consumers relied on the grid to carry power from centrally-located fossil fuel plants to provide for their electricity needs.

While COVID-19 has disrupted our daily activities and lifestyles, including suspending the Iowa legislative session, it gives elected officials more time to consider HSB 657/SSB 3116 to fund the Iowa Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, also known as IWILL.

​​​​​​​The bread and butter of rural communities are small businesses and the COVID-19 pandemic is presenting challenges that are out of their control.

For Charlie and Aaron Johnson, family farming takes on a very literal meaning. The cousins work together alongside Charlie’s brothers, Allan and Kevin, and Charlie’s son, Jordan, to operate a combined nearly 3,000 acres in Madison, South Dakota.

​​​​​​​Meatpacking plants across the country have become COVID-19 hotspots, and the struggles faced by the people working inside are apparent and alarming.

​​​​​​​Climbing into the combine, I am met with a dashboard of dusty screens and controls. The beeps and notifications remind me data is being recorded as I collect crops.

Looking for ways to stay connected with others who share the same interests and hobbies? If you’re interested in pollinators, the Center for Rural Affairs has many opportunities for you in 2020. We...

As more people are spending time at home as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, access to reliable electricity has been essential in enabling the continuation of numerous activities.

The deadline for farmers and ranchers to apply to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is quickly approaching. Application deadlines vary by state, so interested producers should contact their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office as soon as possible and be aware of new safety procedures in place due to the coronavirus.

When Suzi French helps people grow plants in their gardens, she’s also helping them build businesses from the ground up. A community food associate with the Center for Rural Affairs, Suzi has been...

The economic crisis brought on by COVID-19 threatens the long-term prosperity of small businesses in our communities. The initial government action falls short of what our communities need. The CARES...

The coronavirus pandemic remains the focus of policymakers as they look to reduce the impact of the global outbreak. While those important actions play out, other key programs, including one that helps Iowa farmers implement conservation practices, are continuing.

Local and state governments across the U.S. are joining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's call to categorize farmers markets as essential businesses. The move would ensure that the markets remain open, just like grocery stores, during the coronavirus pandemic.

​​​​​​​Major crises often expose the weaknesses that have been in our system for a long time.

As of Thursday, April 16, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) had reached the maximum loan limit authorized by Congress, just 14 days...

The idea of a large institution using local foods to supplement their day-to-day meal services sounds next to impossible. But, it’s not.

As millions are socially distancing, the work of agriculture has not stopped, although in many ways it has shifted. For farmers who have been considering applying for Natural Resources Conservation...

The winters in northeast Nebraska can be harsh—we face bitterly cold temps, and are buried in snow for months on end. Those of us tough enough to stick it out are rewarded by Mother Nature’s gift of...

“Veto Day”—South Dakota’s last legislative day—was held March 30, and due to social distancing restrictions, legislators met electronically to wrap-up the session. In addition to regular end-of...