News Releases

For farmers across the nation, implementing conservation practices into existing row-crop operations has played a key role in maintaining healthy agricultural soils.

Small-scale meat processors seeking support through Iowa’s Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Fund can now apply for grant funding. The first step in the application process—a pre-application assessment—is due Nov. 28.

Participants for the 2022 Beginning Farmer Conservation Fellowship Program have been announced by the Center for Rural Affairs, in partnership with Big Muddy Urban Farm, Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, and Metropolitan Community College Culinary, Hospitality, and Horticulture.

The deadline for Nebraska producers to submit initial paperwork for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is Nov. 18. CSP and EQIP are working lands programs that allow farmers and ranchers to address natural resource priorities while maintaining agricultural production.

A Nebraska school greenhouse demonstrating excellence in food production and exemplary education will receive the second Greenhouse to Cafeteria Award early next year, presented by the Center for Rural Affairs, in collaboration with Nebraska FFA.

Efforts to improve and expand Nebraska’s meat processing capabilities got a boost Monday as the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) announced its first round of grant funding through the Independent Processor Assistance Program (IPAP).

The deadline for Iowa farmers to submit initial paperwork for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is Oct.7. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), CSP and EQIP provide financial and technical assistance for producers interested in addressing natural resource priorities in their operations.

In a win for producers across the country, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency recently announced changes to two crop insurance programs—Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) and Micro Farm. The improvements will expand access to risk management options for thousands of producers, particularly those with small or diversified operations.

With drought conditions posing a significant threat to Iowa’s agriculture industry and rural communities continuing to experience the aftermath of recent extreme weather events, the Center for Rural Affairs is asking Iowa lawmakers to take action.

In a win for rural communities, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on Friday. Included in the package is funding for working lands conservation and investments in clean energy for rural communities.

From direct payments to landowners who host sites to employment opportunities during construction and operation of the systems, wind and solar development bring numerous economic benefits to rural Minnesota counties and communities.

In its continued efforts to advocate for increasing access to conservation programs, the Center for Rural Affairs is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to move more funds into the hands of farmers and ranchers.

As more companies, municipalities, states, and utilities set clean energy goals, the demand for renewable energy will continue to increase.

Farmers interested in learning more about cover crops and conservation are invited to attend a free workshop hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.

Los agricultores interesados en aprender más sobre los cultivos de cobertura y la conservación están invitados a asistir a un taller gratuito organizado por el Center for Rural Affairs.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is now accepting applications for grants through the Independent Processor Assistance Program, which is designed to improve and expand Nebraska’s meat processing capabilities.

Farmers and ranchers are invited to participate in a free webinar July 26 from noon to 1 p.m., CT, to learn more about their federal crop insurance options. “Crop Insurance for Diversified Operations” will be hosted by Center for Rural Affairs Policy Associate Kate Hansen and Megan Vaith, crop insurance agent and founder of Northbourne Organic Crop Insurance LLC.

Los talleres de apicultura gratuitos organizados por el Center for Rural Affairs, la Universidad Estatal de Iowa y el Colegio Tribal Little Priest ayudarán a quienes estén interesados en comenzar en la industria.

Free beekeeping workshops hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs, Iowa State University, and Little Priest Tribal College will help those who are interested in getting started in the industry.

Recently, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee released its draft agriculture appropriations bill for 2023. The bill outlines funding for multiple programs that benefit rural America, including Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) and the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP).