Oct. Newsletter: Health Care, Corp. Farming, Community and more

If you receive our newsletter, you have seen this month's issue in your mail or email by now. This month the newsletter features articles on health care, corporate farming issues, rural communities, food security and more. You can read the entire newsletter here, and you can signup to receive your free copy here.

Here is a sampling of articles from this month.

The Rise of Corporate Mega-Farms in Russia
Early reformers in the post-Soviet era in Russia hoped to see the collective farms of the Soviet years broken up into family farms. However, agriculture in Russia has been slow to change. Now, a decade after the transformation of the Russian government, new forces are encouraging the rise of corporate mega-farms in the country. Read the rest.

Corporate Farming Notes: USDA Blocks Responsible Livestock Testing
On August 29 the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that USDA has the right to restrict meatpackers' testing of slaughter cattle for "mad cow disease." Since 2006 Creekstone Farms Premium Beef has sought permission to conduct BSE tests, at their expense, on all the cattle they slaughter instead of a sampling to ensure product safety and preserve export markets they have established. USDA refused to allow the additional testing. In March 2006 Creekstone sued in federal court for access to BSE test kits. Continue reading.

Sense of Mission & Purpose Drives Work
Thirty-five years is a long time. That's how long the Center for Rural Affairs has been standing up for rural America. In fact, our official birthday was Sep. 5. And like anything that's been around that long, we've changed some. Read the full article.

Center for Rural Affairs Runs One of the Most Elite Rural Development Programs
Self-employment and small businesses are key to economic vitality in rural America. But many rural entrepreneurs who have an idea for a business don't have the resources or tools to get started or develop a business plan. How can we change that? Continue reading.

Food Security Challenges Health of Rural People and Communities
If your rural community has a grocery store, you know what a convenience it is not to have to travel many miles every time you forget an ingredient for dinner. Grocery stores serve a critical function for rural communities because without access to healthy, affordable food more people are at risk for food insecurity. Read the rest.

Share Your Health Care Story with Us
We have joined Health Care for America Now, a national grassroots campaign to win a guarantee of quality, affordable health care for all. As part of the campaign, we are collecting stories about people's health care to help demonstrate the need for health care reform. Can you send us yours? Continue reading. Bonus: Act today. Send a message to the next administration today telling them that you want health care reform that works for everyone including farmers, small business owners and rural communities. Act here.

That and more is in the full newsletter.