Niobrara Nebraska from nearby hill

Blog Posts & Stories

What's happening with the Center for Rural Affairs? Find the latest on rural America and our work here.

Any farmer or rancher who is interested in conservation programs through the Natural Resources Conservation Service is required to have a farm number for the application process.
  • Farm and Food
The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations recently approved a draft bill to fund various government programs in fiscal year 2022. Prepared by the committee’s Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and...
  • Policy
  • Farm and Food
  • Lending
  • Small Towns
Cynthia Huhman siempre ha amado la artesanía y la costura, pero tener un negocio de bordado nunca estuvo en su radar.
  • Lending
During the global coronavirus pandemic, Cynthia started creating graphic T-shirts as a way to relax while dealing with the stresses of the outside world. And, in January 2021, when a friend approached Cynthia about taking over her business, she thought carefully about the prospect of becoming her own boss.
  • Lending
The future of Nebraska’s energy generation is up for debate and the voice of rural residents is needed to make sure it’s a sustainable, resilient, and responsible one.
  • Policy
Not often do we consider the possibilities that emerge from a school cafeteria. Most of the time, they’re places where students enjoy a break, eat a meal, and socialize with friends. The cafeteria is, absolutely, all of these things, but it’s also much more as many groups around our state are realizing. Our school cafeterias can be transformed into both the largest classrooms and restaurants in Nebraska.
  • Farm and Food
When Sheyla Campos and Antonio Fombellida Garcia started their business Handyman Antonio, in Grand Island, Nebraska, they made sure everything was by the book.
  • Lending
After more than 70 years, the community of Oakland, Nebraska, has no hospital. Citing low in-patient and emergency room volume, hospital officials announced the closure of MercyOne Oakland in June—leaving all of Burt County without a facility.
  • Policy
The Center for Rural Affairs has been on Chuck Karpf’s radar since 1979. Although he didn’t have much contact with the Center until the 1980s and ‘90s, he has become an active supporter over the years and now serves on the Board of Directors.
  • Small Towns
A self-described “free spirit,” Ashley Nisley has explored a variety of occupations over the years. From licensed cosmetologist to licensed insurance agent, Ashley also has worked as an office clerk, bartender and, on occasion, a waitress, until developing an interest in fine jewelry that led to her becoming a business owner.
  • Lending
The effects of climate change are laid out in a new United Nations report, which pointed to greenhouse gas emissions. While global leaders address broader issues, local efforts continue to protect natural resources, including giving farmers an easier path to conservation resources.
  • Policy
  • Farm and Food
Nebraska businesses with no more than five employees now can apply for up to $20,000 in tax credits. Johnathan Hladik, policy director at the Center for Rural Affairs, said because funds are limited, now is the time to get in line for the Nebraska Advantage Microenterprise Tax Credit.
  • Lending
  • Small Towns
Farmers and ranchers interested in working-lands conservation often have a vision for their operation that includes the well-being of both the environment and the commodities they produce. What’s...
  • Policy
  • Farm and Food
La Administración de Pequeños Negocios (SBA por sus siglas en inglés) tiene dos opciones disponibles para los prestatarios que deseen solicitar el perdón del préstamo del Programa de Protección de Cheques de Pago (PPP por sus siglas en inglés).
  • Lending
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has two options available for borrowers seeking forgiveness on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
  • Lending
¿Tiene una gran idea para un negocio? ¿O ya es dueño de un negocio y está buscando formas de llevarlo al siguiente nivel? Un préstamo podría proporcionar el impulso adicional que necesita su pequeña empresa.
  • Lending
Do you have a great idea for a business? Or already own a business and are looking for ways to take it to the next level? A loan could provide the extra boost your small business needs.
  • Lending
Mark Villagrana always wanted to run his own business, and when the opportunity presented itself to open Sweet V’s, he got his entire family to join the adventure with him.
  • Lending
Many producers know that conservation helps keep their ranches and farms resilient. However, the path to adopting sound environmental practices might not be clear for farmers and ranchers new to...
  • Farm and Food
In Macy, Nebraska, fresh produce is abundant. Especially in a 7-acre garden next to the school football field. In a joint effort among the UMÓⁿHOⁿ (Omaha) Nation Public School, the Jobs for American...
  • Small Towns
  • Farm and Food