News

Corporate Farming Regulations Enter New Phase with I-300 Decision

By Marie Powell on April 25, 2007 - 5:21pm

The refusal of the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal of the district court ruling overturning Initiative 300 – Nebraska’s anti-corporate farm law – may end one era. But it signals the start of a new phase of state efforts to regulate corporate farming and level the playing field for family farms.

The recent string of court rulings overturning the Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska corporate farm laws does not prevent state regulation of corporate farming. Corporate farm restrictions can be tough and still meet the principles laid down by the court.

CORPORATE FARMING NOTES

By Marie Powell on April 25, 2007 - 5:02pm

Iowa bill requiring meatpackers to buy from independent producers killed in subcommittee; telling Congress about vertical integration

>> Despite passage by a significant majority in the Iowa Senate, SF 504, a bill that would have required meatpackers to purchase 25 percent of the hogs they slaughter in Iowa from independent producers, died in a legislative subcommittee.

Representative Delores Mertz (D-Ottosen), chair of the House Agriculture Committee, named herself to a subcommittee to review the bill, seemingly for the purpose of blocking its passage.

State Legislatures Deliberate over School Funding

By Marie Powell on April 25, 2007 - 4:52pm
As many state legislatures come to a close, one issue that is almost always at the forefront is school funding. Each state funds public school education differently and uniquely. Here we look at what several states have been up to this session.

Nebraska Legislature Addressing Rural Issues

By Marie Powell on April 25, 2007 - 4:48pm
In the 2007 Nebraska Legislature, the Center for Rural Affairs has focused on legislation that will enhance economic opportunities in rural communities and will make existing programs work better for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and rural communities.

While legislative actions on the Center’s priorities are not complete, our priorities are receiving favorable treatment. That is due in large part because many of you who believe in the future of rural Nebraska, its people, and its communities, have become advocates for small business development, for new rural development strategies, and for real resources to make a difference. We thank you for all your efforts to build a strong and vibrant rural Nebraska.

REAP Selects Women Microentrepreneurs for Cash Equity Awards

By Marie Powell on April 25, 2007 - 4:43pm
Using $10,000 in funds provided by the Women and Company® Microenterprise Boost Program, six women microentrepreneurs across rural Nebraska will receive financial support for their enterprises. Award winners were recognized in conjunction with a GROW Nebraska Spring Meeting on April 26, 2007, by the Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance program (REAP).

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