Blog Posts & Stories

We’re in the 11th week of the Iowa legislative session. Last Friday was the second funnel deadline, which means legislation needed to pass its committee in the alternate chamber from which it was introduced to remain viable. The deadline does not include tax and spending bills.

In Iowa and across the Midwest, farmers are investing in conservation practices such as cover crops, extended rotation, and nutrient management thanks to the support of programs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As Congress looks to set priorities for the 2023 farm bill, it must focus on supporting conservation programs.

Federal programs that invest in rural America have a significant impact on small communities. As resources are made available to local businesses and farmers, they are better equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

Pipeline proposals can be contentious when economic, environmental, and landowner interests are at odds. With two proposed pipelines intended to facilitate carbon capture and storage across the upper Midwest, it is important there is an understanding of the facts, as well as the relevant questions and concerns surrounding the projects.

A devotion to her community and a dedication to bringing people together brought Alexandra Dillon to work alongside the Center for Rural Affairs, and that partnership has resulted in helping those she...

Many Nebraska schools are struggling to find and serve locally grown food to their students. Some schools have greenhouses, but they’re often underutilized or used only to grow flowers for fundraisers. These greenhouses can produce food for school cafeterias, and they can be school-based enterprises that teach students leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers expand their businesses through value-added products and services. Free Day Popcorn, operated by Nate and Stacey Freitag, was once such business to receive a VAPG award in 2021.

“Let my hands be in touch with the black soil, feeling the life within. Allow my ears to hear the singing of the birds, the choir of the sky."

On March 1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced the availability of $19.75 million in total funding for projects as part of the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program.

When Aliza Brunsing walked into the West Point Chamber of Commerce office with a hope and dream to start a local farmers market, she had no idea—nor intention—of being recognized for her efforts down the line.

The legislative session is drawing to a close. Yesterday, Monday, March 7, was Legislative Day 34 of South Dakota’s 38 day session, the last day for a bill or joint resolution to pass both houses...

We’re in the ninth week of the Iowa Legislature’s 2022 session. Since our last update, the first funnel deadline has passed, trimming the list of legislation eligible to continue in the process. Currently, lawmakers are focused on debating bills.

Today, Tuesday, March 8, is the start of all-day floor debate and with just 22 days left to finish general and select file debate senators have a lot to discuss. Around 90 priority bills are out of committee and it is unclear if all of them will get time on the floor this year.

Throughout the nearly 50-year history of the Center, the emergence of federal policy supporting soil and water conservation, local and regional food systems, beginning farmers, and value-added agriculture is one of the most significant areas of policy wins.

Early in my farming career, I began paying attention to different farm organizations and their respective values. I determined early on that the Center for Rural Affairs’ ideas about the future of farms and rural communities made sense to me.

Esta primavera, aquellos que están considerando comenzar un negocio de camiones o aquellos que tienen un negocio de camiones y necesitan más orientación están invitados a la academia de camiones (Trucking Academy).

This spring, those considering starting a trucking business or those who have a trucking business and need more guidance are invited to Trucking Academy.

Nearly every Nebraskan is now served by an electric utility committed to supplying clean, sustainable energy. In December, the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) board of directors voted 9-2 to...

What do we think of when we say cooperative? Is it the farmers’ co-op down the road, combining grains to sell? Is it a nearby co-op grocer with customer members? Is it a large company, maybe Land O’Lakes or Ocean Spray?

Rural communities often face challenges in accessing fresh, healthy, and affordable foods. Reducing food deserts, connecting farmers to consumers, and building local supply chains provides resilience our rural communities need to protect their future.