News Releases

The Center for Rural Affairs is pleased to see Gov. Pete Ricketts’ support for small- and medium-sized meat processors, with the inclusion of $10 million to increase independent local processing capacity in his recommended state budget adjustments released Thursday.

Family farms and local independent meat processors stand to benefit from a bill introduced in the Nebraska Legislature by state Sen. Tom Brandt.

The Center for Rural Affairs is applauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its dedication to climate-smart agriculture following the agency’s announcement Monday that it plans to invest $38 million in a new program aimed at increasing cover crop acres. In addition, a key change to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) was announced.

As consumer preference continues to shift toward local food, producers are working hard to meet this demand. However, supply chain challenges remain. That is especially true for the farmers and ranchers who raise livestock. Locker appointments can be hard to come by, and the wait time at U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected facilities can stretch beyond one year.

Community leaders in Norfolk and the surrounding areas are invited to attend a free Civity training event hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs this month.

As solar projects across the nation continue to expand, solar grazing has emerged as a valuable tool, according to a new fact sheet recently released by the Center for Rural Affairs.

Despite the clear value the Conservation Stewardship Program offers in supporting farmers and ranchers in enhancing conservation of natural resources on their operations, funding has been reduced significantly in the last two farm bills, according to a white paper released today by the Center for Rural Affairs.

Indigenous emerging leaders seeking to improve their management skills and work on or near Tribal reservations in Nebraska and South Dakota are encouraged to apply for a six-month leadership training course.

GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA – Nebraska entrepreneurs and small business managers are invited to attend free workshops presented in Spanish and sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs.

GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA – Los empresarios y gerentes de pequeñas empresas de Nebraska están invitados a asistir a talleres gratuitos presentados en español y patrocinados por Center for Rural Affairs.

Iowa farmers who planted cover crops this fall without financial assistance from state or federal cost-share programs may be eligible for a $5/acre discount on their 2022 crop insurance premium. This discount is a program administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA).

Managers and business owners interested in developing diverse work environments with strong communication skills are invited to attend two upcoming training sessions hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs in December.

The Center for Rural Affairs is pleased to see funding for farmers and landowners implementing conservation practices on working lands included in the Build Back Better Act passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Find handmade and homemade items from crafters, local artisans, and more, at the Omaha Nation Winter Market, on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For South Dakota farmers and ranchers, the deadline to submit initial paperwork for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) or the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is Dec. 3.

COLUMBUS, NEBRASKA – Nebraska entrepreneurs and small business managers are invited to attend a free workshop presented in Spanish and sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs.

COLUMBUS, NEBRASKA – Los empresarios y gerentes de pequeñas empresas de Nebraska están invitados a asistir a un taller gratuito presentado en español y patrocinado por Center for Rural Affairs....

Internet access is a critical component of everyday life. Even so, many areas in South Dakota are lacking reliable service.

LYONS, NEBRASKA - Conservation easements can do many things, and when an easement is designed to permanently conserve a working farm or ranch, special care should be taken to assure the agreement is...

LYONS, NEBRASKA – As farmers start to wrap up harvest and think about next year’s crop, the Center for Rural Affairs has released a new resource guide to inform producers who grow small grains about...