Center for Rural Affairs' Newsletter
| The Center for Rural Affairs' newsletter surveys national events affecting Rural America. Special sections include an in-depth feature article, a section of Corporate Farming Notes, and many short, newsy pieces of general interest.
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Climate Change Demands Our Leadership
Everyone is talking about the weather this spring. My apple trees were in full bloom before the end of March when temperatures hit 90 degrees. Two weeks later, the forecast low was for 27 degrees. If it dips to 25 degrees, I can expect 90 percent fruit loss.
Is this the End of Coal?
The Environmental Protection Agency has released a draft rule to put tough limits on greenhouse gas emissions. It will require new coal-fired power plants to emit less than 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour. Today the average coal-fired power plant releases twice that amount.
Supporters Tell Congress to Listen Up
When was the last time you sat face to face with your members of Congress? Two Center supporters traveled to Washington to do just that. Their message – we need a Farm Bill that promotes the best rural America has to offer.
Common Sense Payment Limits
In March, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tim Johnson (D-SD) re-introduced The Rural America Preservation Act. This legislation represents the most important step Congress can take to strengthen family farms. Limit the subsidies mega farms use to drive smaller operations out of business.
Ag Secretary Vilsack Visits Niman Ranch Producers
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack came to Iowa last month, and my son and I had a front row seat. The secretary spoke about farm policy and USDA initiatives to a network of family farmers raising natural pork for a specialty market.
A Doctor for Your Town
You know how important your doctor is. No one should live in a county without one. To help, the Affordable Care Act invests in new and expanded efforts to train doctors, nurses, and physician assistants to practice in rural communities like yours.
A Community Creates Land Access for Beginning Farmers
The price of farmland continues its phenomenal rise. Nebraska's average price per acre is $1,833, with an all-time high of $2,410/acre. Iowa's farmland value increased by 32.5% last year. Prices topped at $16,000 to $20,000 per acre.
Small Town Invests in Energy Efficiency to Save
Energy is on everyone’s mind, from politicians to our neighbors, but we are not helpless! The uncertain economy is a perfect time for you to evaluate your own energy use – and find the savings.
How to Not Start a Business
Suppose you have a cracker-jack idea for starting a business. You’d love nothing better than to dive in and make it happen. Wait a minute, cautions Juan Sandoval, director of the Center’s REAP Hispanic Business Center.
Corporate Farming Notes: Arsenic and Honeybees
Chickens in industrial operations are fed caffeine, arsenic, banned antibiotics, and the active ingredients in Tylenol and Benadryl. That’s what researchers from Johns Hopkins University and Arizona State University found when they tested feather meal made from chicken feathers.
Land Link Sneak Peek
East Central South Dakota Livestock Farm: Picture yourself on a 160 acre farm. This one is near Canistota, South Dakota, pop 700 – about 30 miles northwest of Sioux Falls. You’ll see all grass on the farm. There’s a barn, several smaller outbuildings, 3 open-front sheds, and a poultry processing facility.
Across the Nation
Kentucky: Kentucky’s General Assembly passed legislation to exempt the Amish from being required to display bright orange safety triangles on their slow-moving buggies. House legislators approved a bill to allow reflective silver or white tape on the backs of their horse-drawn buggies instead.
In Memoriam: Norma Hall
Rural America lost a champion with the passing of Norma Hall on April 7. Norma farmed near Elmwood, Nebraska, with her husband Dale until retirement. She demonstrated her commitment to family farming in the combine, testifying before Congress, and leading farm and rural organization organizations.
Inga Wins Championship and Raises Money for Good Cause
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| Photo by Daniel Bridges |
The contest capped off a fundraising drive to help fight leukemia. The school raised $2,133.44 in their “Pennies for Patients” drive. Fellow contestants included Kyle Olson from Brehemers Mfg., Tim Slaughter of Farm & Home Ins., Cody Anderson for Ronnfeldt Farms, Dan Maresh representing Lyons-Decatur Northeast School, and senior Alex Peterson.
Congratulations, Inga!
You Help Keep Our Work Strong
Two things keep the Center strong decade after decade. The first is grassroots supporters, like you, working as engaged citizens and active business owners in your community and speaking out for policy change at the statehouse and in Washington.
Who Will Fight for You?
When it comes to health insurance, everyone wants lower rates. But who will fight for lower rates for your family or your business? If you’re lucky, your state can fight for you.
