What's happening with the Center for Rural Affairs? Find the latest on rural America and our work here.
We (Cora and Anna) traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to meet with our representatives in Congress. We met with staff from – count ‘em – nine congressional offices for Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas, and stopped by several more to drop off our farm bill platform.
- Farm and Food
The 2018 sign-up deadline for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is quickly approaching.
- Farm and Food
Sometimes farmers need a helping hand. Maybe you’d like financial counseling, or support during land transition, but aren’t sure where to go? Are you concerned about your farming operation or need mediation services?
- Farm and Food
State and national policy directly impact how we live. With state legislative sessions in full swing, how can you help guide your representatives’ policy decisions? Speak up through advocacy. Start...
- Farm and Food
- Lending
- Small Towns
This week, the Iowa House of Representatives passed a weakened version of the water quality bill that was discussed last session. Senate File 512 (SF512) now heads to the governor’s desk after members of the House receded the amendments they fought to support in 2017.
- Policy
The 2008 farm bill introduced U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) first – and so far only – program focused on the next generation of farmers: the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program...
- Farm and Food
Recently, we learned of a $665,000 grant awarded to our Center for Rural Affairs Community Capital for lending capital. Center for Rural Affairs Community Capital is a subsidiary of the Center for...
- Lending
Fall is always a busy time for harvest, holidays, and sports. The season is also used to prepare for the next year, as farmers buy seed, implements, and attend conferences and field days.
- Policy
Small business identity theft is a big business. Just like individuals, businesses can be victims too. Thieves use a business’s information to file fake tax returns or get credit cards.
- Lending
“Farmers help feed the world.” I’ve heard that many times and have seen it on signs and in magazines.
- Farm and Food
- Policy
Despite the potential for broadband to modernize the economy in rural America, access and availability continue to lag. The President’s recent executive order affirmed this limitation and the need to commit resources to close rural America's digital divide.
- Small Towns
Access to high speed internet is essential to ensuring equitable quality of life in the modern economy. Two legislative bills introduced this week by Sen. Lynne Walz, of Fremont, seek to close the digital divide in Nebraska.
- Small Towns
For hundreds of years, immigration has shaped U.S. history. And, it continues to shape America, especially in rural areas. Jordan and Carlos recently sat down to chat about our inclusion work.
- Small Towns
At a time when people feel incredibly divided and polarized, some issues still resonate across the spectrum. In rural areas, these issues include eminent domain, farm profitability, and viable, vibrant rural communities.
- Farm and Food
- Policy
The average age of today’s farmer is 58 years old. Over the course of the next five years (the duration of the next farm bill), nearly 100 million acres of farmland are predicted to change hands. Some...
- Farm and Food
A veteran’s sense of service and work ethic draws a distinct parallel to the skills and dedication required for successful farming and ranching.
- Farm and Food
A newly updated online directory outlines 83 individual programs that assist beginning and first-time farmers, existing family farm operations, and agribusiness firms. Agricultural loan programs...
- Farm and Food
In 2017, we developed an active presence on Iowa state policy. Our priority issues included clean energy and water quality. We collaborated with coalition partners, developed relationships with key legislators, and engaged Iowa supporters.
- Policy
Elected representatives in Nebraska will debate a host of contentious issues during the 2018 legislative session, including economic development, budget and tax, health care, energy and environment, and food and agriculture.
- Farm and Food
- Policy
Iowa legislators reconvene this week. First on the agenda is expected to be a fast-tracked water quality bill.
- Policy
