News Releases

We are committed to keeping the issues facing rural America in the news media. Here you'll find news on the work we do on public policy, farming and ranching, small businesses, and rural communities.

On Wednesday, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee passed its agriculture appropriations bill for 2024. The $17.8 billion spending package, which proposes annual funding levels for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), follows the March release of the Biden administration’s budget for the same year.
  • Policy
As demand for clean energy increases, many state and local governments are prudently discussing the impact future solar development will have on agricultural lands.
  • Policy
Several individuals from across the nation have been recognized by the inaugural Environmental Leader Awards. The awards are an independent project administratively supported by the Center for Rural Affairs and made possible by the Walton Family Foundation.
  • Farm and Food
A historically high amount of funding is available for Iowa farmers as part of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Producers have until June 15 to submit applications, and they stand a strong chance of being accepted.
  • Policy
SCOTTSBLUFF, NEBRASKA – Nicci Chitwood has recently been hired to serve the Nebraska panhandle as a Center for Rural Affairs loan specialist. Chitwood’s role is to work with new and existing small...
  • Lending
The Center for Rural Affairs applauds Nebraska lawmakers for their support of legislation that reduces overregulation in the food truck industry, promotes entrepreneurship, and provides consumers with safe and affordable dining options.
  • Policy
With a vote set for Wednesday, the Center for Rural Affairs is urging Nebraska lawmakers to override Gov. Jim Pillen’s veto of funding for rural workforce housing.
  • Policy
The Kearney Area Farmers Market opened May 6, offering fresh vegetables, homemade bread, and more. Buffalo County Community Partners and the Center for Rural Affairs are partnering with the market in an effort to raise awareness of the nutritional importance and economic impact access to fresh fruits and vegetables make in the community.
  • Farm and Food
Steele Valenzuela, of Decatur, Nebraska, has been appointed to the Center for Rural Affairs Board of Directors.
  • Small Towns
Current and beginning Latino farmers in and around West Point and Douglas who are interested in starting a poultry business and hearing from farmers about their operations are invited to “Cycle of a Poultry Operation,” hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.
  • Farm and Food
Los granjeros latinos actuales y principiantes de West Point, Douglas y sus alrededores que estén interesados en iniciar un negocio avícola y escuchar a los granjeros sobre sus operaciones están invitados al "Ciclo de una operación avícola", organizado por el Center for Rural Affairs.
  • Farm and Food
Is your community ready to explore how to make locally grown foods accessible? How you can connect people with fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options?
  • Farm and Food
The community school districts in Carroll, Fremont-Mills, Logan-Magnolia, East Mills, and Stanton have been chosen to begin and/or reinvigorate agriculture education in their communities as part of a new farm to school program offered by the Center for Rural Affairs.
  • Farm and Food
An innovative new approach to conservation pioneered by leaders in central Iowa will be the topic of discussion during an upcoming webinar hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.
  • Policy
As demand for solar energy continues to grow, the co-location of solar and agriculture—also known as agrivoltaics—offers opportunities for conservation, food production, increasing pollinator habitat, and adding farm revenue streams while producing affordable renewable energy.
  • Farm and Food
  • Policy
With U.S. House and Senate congressional committees considering funding for 2024, the Center for Rural Affairs and 30 organizations from across the country are asking for their continued support of rural small businesses.
  • Lending
  • Small Towns
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has announced the availability of approximately $31 million in funding for projects as part of the Value-Added Producer Grants program.
  • Farm and Food
Schools in 12 counties in southwest Iowa are encouraged to apply to participate in a new farm to school agriculture education program hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs. Five K-12 schools will be chosen to begin and/or reinvigorate agriculture education.
  • Small Towns
  • Farm and Food
Richard “Dick” Potter of Valparaiso received the 2023 Outstanding Farmer Veteran Award at the 56th annual Triumph of Ag Expo on March 2 in Omaha. The award is sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs.
  • Farm and Food
Spanish-speaking community members interested in starting or improving their child care businesses are invited to attend a free conference presented in Spanish.
  • Lending