Reports & Publications

Because the farm bill shapes the lives of rural Americans, the Center is committed to ensuring that rural Americans shape the farm bill. As we look toward a 2018 farm bill, here are some topics you can raise with your congress person in the coming year. If you would like to work with us in...

Recently, some Nebraska legislators have been discussing plans to pair property and income tax cuts during the upcoming 2017 legislative session. Nebraska already faces a budget shortfall of over $350 million through the next budget cycle that ends in 2019, due to declining tax revenues resulting...

Inside this issue: Victory in North Dakota; World-class vinegar, in a town of 150; Not everyone is eating the rainbow; and more!

Inside this Issue: Ideas for Crop Insurance Reform, Building Small Business Is a Global Affair, and more.

Wind energy continues to be a growing industry in the U.S. Several states are tapping this renewable resource for over 20 percent of their power needs. As growth continues, projects are breaking new ground. Developers are interacting with more communities and landowners in the process. While...

In this special report, five ranchers share their strategies to successful land management using conservation programs and partnerships. Tree plantings, water placement, controlled grazing, prescribed fire, native species, you'll hear directly from the ranchers who tend the land they love. 1. Beel...

Nebraska's energy future can be a bright one. Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) can choose to invest in clean, sustainable energy options that grow our communities.

Nebraska's energy future can be a bright one. Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) can choose to invest in clean, sustainable energy options that grow our communities.

Nebraska's energy future can be a bright one. Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) can choose to invest in clean, sustainable energy options that grow our communities.

Nebraska's energy future can be a bright one. Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) can choose to invest in clean, sustainable energy options that grow our communities.

Everyone needs health coverage to see a doctor when they get sick or injured. But right now, about 97,000 Nebraskans have no way to get affordable health insurance. They make too little money to afford private insurance, but they also don’t qualify for Medicaid. These people are stuck with no solution in what we call “the coverage gap.”

Inside this Issue: Farm Girl Journal Captures the Unfettered Joy of Growing Up on a Farm, Wind Turbines Bring Economic Development Dollars to a Small Town in Minnesota, and more.

The Center for Rural Affairs along with Mike Duffy, Professor Emeritus of Economics, Iowa State University, will release a report that explores the impact subsidized crop insurance places on land values. Duffy’s research shows that subsidized crop insurance indeed has an impact on land values. He...

We tried something new for our latest annual report. We created a calendar to illustrate month-by-month the accomplishments you helped us achieve in the last year. From starting new businesses to to stewarding our land and water, to transforming the food our children eat, your donations and your...

Nebraska is one of 17 states not adopting Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. This has left more than 79,000 individuals in a “coverage gap.” Each individual covered through an expanded Medicaid program could save $1,100 on out-of-pocket health costs each year. When spent locally...

Inside this Issue: Strengthening Communities through Welcoming and Inclusion, REAP Achieves Top 10 Position in National Lending, and more.

Hear three stories of how Nebraska farmers made the school connection in farm to school. Justin Jones, President of Lone Tree Foods, shares how Lone Tree connects food producers to eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa schools. Food Service Director of Pius X schools, Tini Van-Oehlertz shares her...

Welcome to this special edition of our newsletter, focusing on farm to school.

This webinar, designed for Nebraska food producers, discussed key points for farmers and ranchers to consider when you work with schools as a market opportunity. You get to walk in a food service director’s shoes with Donna Handley, School Lunch Program Specialist with the Nebraska Department of...

We kicked off our first of three Farm to School webinars by listening to three Nebraska food service staff. They shared how and why they have participated in local food procurement and farm to school activities. The stories ranged from scratch cooking techniques and working with local farmers and...