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.

Current, beginning, and Latino farmers across Nebraska and Iowa interested in hearing from farmers about their operations and the application of specific practices for soil health are invited to “Soil Health Farm Tours,” hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.
  • Farm and Food
The Center for Rural Affairs is encouraged to see support for agricultural producers, including a significant increase in proposed funding for Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA), in the Biden administration’s proposed budget for 2023 announced earlier this week.
  • Policy
  • Lending
Community members are invited to join the Center for Rural Affairs during the month of April to embark on the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge.
  • Small Towns
Just over one year after lawmakers unanimously approved its creation, the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee is recommending nearly $10 million in funding for the Independent Processor Assistance Program (IPAP) as part of the state’s allotment of recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
  • Lending
  • Small Towns
  • Farm and Food
Aquellos en el negocio de cuidado infantil o aquellos que buscan iniciar su propio negocio en la industria están invitados a asistir a una conferencia gratuita presentada en español y patrocinada por el Center for Rural Affairs, en parte con Central Region Early Childhood Spanish Coalition.
  • Lending
Those in the child care business or those looking to start their own business in the industry are invited to attend a free conference presented in Spanish and sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs, in part with the Central Region Early Childhood Spanish Coalition.
  • Lending
Iowa farmers have until April 8 to apply for conservation funding and planning assistance from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
  • Policy
  • Farm and Food
The Center for Rural Affairs is pleased to see updates to Nebraska’s Microenterprise Assistance Program among the budget recommendations released Friday by the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee.
  • Lending
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Iowa is seeking renewal applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The deadline to apply is April 15.
  • Farm and Food
Rural Nebraska is facing a health care workforce shortage, and projections show the trend will continue if it is not adequately addressed, according to a white paper released recently by the Center for Rural Affairs.
  • Small Towns
Interviews focused on the history of sustainable agriculture have been turned into a limited podcast series, “Sustainable Agriculture Policy with Ron Kroese.”
  • Farm and Food
  • Small Towns
LYONS, NEBRASKA - Martin and Linda Kleinschmit of Hartington, Nebraska, have been chosen to receive the Center for Rural Affairs’ 2021 Seventh Generation Award. The lifetime service award is presented...
  • Farm and Food
  • Small Towns
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Carime Ruvalcaba, of Grand Island, to receive the 2021 Women’s Business Center Entrepreneur Award. The Women’s Business Center Entrepreneur...
  • Small Towns
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Alexandra Dillon, of Kearney, to receive its 2021 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award is presented annually to an...
  • Lending
  • Small Towns
NEVADA, IOWA – The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Kent Wiese, of Des Moines, to receive its 2021 Citizenship Award. The Citizenship Award is given to an individual or individuals who actively...
  • Small Towns
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Anna Zeleny, of Oakland, to receive its 2021 Citizenship Award. The Citizenship Award is given to an individual or individuals who actively...
  • Small Towns
  • Policy
The Center for Rural Affairs applauds expansions to federal crop insurance recently announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). Both changes signal encouraging opportunities for farmers practicing conservation on their operations.
  • Farm and Food
With the industry still struggling to regain its footing, Center for Rural Affairs staff and other supporters urged Nebraska lawmakers to provide funding for a program designed to assist local independent meat processors.
  • Lending
  • Small Towns
  • Farm and Food
On Tuesday, Center for Rural Affairs staff testified in support of two bills aimed at providing much needed stability for Nebraska small business owners during hearings before the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee.
  • Lending
The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Aliza Brunsing, of West Point, to receive the 2021 Rural Community Champion Award.
  • Farm and Food
  • Small Towns