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.

Rural Iowans are invited to join state Rep. Norlin Mommsen for a discussion on strategies to build resilient rural communities during an online event set for Feb. 14. The Rural Resiliency Forum, which will be from 11 a.m. to noon
  • Lending
  • Small Towns
  • Policy
As state and local officials across the country consider bills addressing broadband service and decide how to allocate funding received through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, a new white paper from the Center for Rural Affairs offers ideas and solutions for improving access in rural areas.
  • Small Towns
Becky Parker, of North Platte, has recently been hired as a loan specialist for the Center for Rural Affairs based in Lyons, Nebraska.
  • Lending
  • Small Towns
Military veterans interested in agriculture are invited to attend a series of workshops intended to navigate a year in the life of a veteran local farmer.
  • Farm and Food
The Center for Rural Affairs is pleased to see Gov. Pete Ricketts’ support for small- and medium-sized meat processors, with the inclusion of $10 million to increase independent local processing capacity in his recommended state budget adjustments released Thursday.
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  • Small Towns
  • Farm and Food
Family farms and local independent meat processors stand to benefit from a bill introduced in the Nebraska Legislature by state Sen. Tom Brandt.
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  • Farm and Food
The Center for Rural Affairs is applauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its dedication to climate-smart agriculture following the agency’s announcement Monday that it plans to invest $38 million in a new program aimed at increasing cover crop acres. In addition, a key change to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) was announced.
  • Policy
  • Farm and Food
As consumer preference continues to shift toward local food, producers are working hard to meet this demand. However, supply chain challenges remain. That is especially true for the farmers and ranchers who raise livestock. Locker appointments can be hard to come by, and the wait time at U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected facilities can stretch beyond one year.
  • Farm and Food
Community leaders in Norfolk and the surrounding areas are invited to attend a free Civity training event hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs this month.
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  • Small Towns
As solar projects across the nation continue to expand, solar grazing has emerged as a valuable tool, according to a new fact sheet recently released by the Center for Rural Affairs.
  • Policy
  • Farm and Food
Despite the clear value the Conservation Stewardship Program offers in supporting farmers and ranchers in enhancing conservation of natural resources on their operations, funding has been reduced significantly in the last two farm bills, according to a white paper released today by the Center for Rural Affairs.
  • Farm and Food
Indigenous emerging leaders seeking to improve their management skills and work on or near Tribal reservations in Nebraska and South Dakota are encouraged to apply for a six-month leadership training course.
  • Small Towns
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA – Los empresarios y gerentes de pequeñas empresas de Nebraska están invitados a asistir a talleres gratuitos presentados en español y patrocinados por Center for Rural Affairs.
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GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA – Nebraska entrepreneurs and small business managers are invited to attend free workshops presented in Spanish and sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs.
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Iowa farmers who planted cover crops this fall without financial assistance from state or federal cost-share programs may be eligible for a $5/acre discount on their 2022 crop insurance premium. This discount is a program administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA).
  • Farm and Food
Managers and business owners interested in developing diverse work environments with strong communication skills are invited to attend two upcoming training sessions hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs in December.
  • Small Towns
The Center for Rural Affairs is pleased to see funding for farmers and landowners implementing conservation practices on working lands included in the Build Back Better Act passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Farm and Food
Find handmade and homemade items from crafters, local artisans, and more, at the Omaha Nation Winter Market, on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Small Towns
For South Dakota farmers and ranchers, the deadline to submit initial paperwork for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) or the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is Dec. 3.
  • Farm and Food
COLUMBUS, NEBRASKA – Nebraska entrepreneurs and small business managers are invited to attend a free workshop presented in Spanish and sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs.
  • Lending