Of the 60 House seats that swung from Democrat to Republican on election night, giving Republicans control of the US House, two-thirds were rural districts.

State governments across the nation are confronting big budget deficits, and as they balance the books, the pain inevitably gets pushed down to property taxpayers.

Last month I reported on a spill from the mega-dairy that is under development by A.J. Bos near Nora, Illinois.

Two new reports by the Center for Rural Affairs highlight the importance of local grocery stores to rural communities, the challenges faced by rural grocery stores, and how communities can respond to those challenges.

After a long wait, the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program is officially underway!

If you think using local foods can impact your community, you're right.

Nationwide: The US Department of Agriculture has agreed to pay $680 million in damages to thousands of Native American farmers who were denied farm loans.

New analysis shows the number of small businesses offering health insurance to their employees increased to 59 percent this year, up from 46 percent last year.

When the Nebraska Legislature reconvenes in January, it faces an incredible challenge – a near $1 billion shortfall in the state’s budget is forecast by the Nebraska Forecasting Board.

Entrepreneur Spencer McMurtry (left) and Senator John Harms (right) are pictured in Spencer’s business, Infinite Graphics in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Photo courtesy of the Scottsbluff Star-Herald.

One program that should be spared from additional budget cuts is the Microenterprise Development Act. It provides about half a million dollars annually to fund loans, training, and businesses planning assistance to small enterprise.

Nebraska’s rural economy, like other agricultural-dependent states, is built from a strong foundation of small entrepreneurs. They have been the backbone of our success. And at this crucial time, they are the steady train pulling us out of recession and restoring economic strength. That’s why we’ve been out touring small enterprises with key senators to show firsthand the positive impacts of the Microenterprise Development Act.

Infinite Graphics and Midwest Electronics in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, was the first stop, with Senator John Harms as our guest. Spencer McMurtry, the owner of Infinite Graphics, was unable to get a traditional bank loan. He found assistance through the Center’s Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP). REAP helped him put a business plan together and extended a loan for equipment purchases. Andy Wietzel, owner of Midwest Electronics, faced the same situation and also found assistance through REAP with a business plan and a loan.

Pulling up roots in California to create a better life for their children, Edgar and Angela Gutierrez moved to Lexington, Nebraska, in 2002 and opened a business they had been successful with in Los Angeles – Edgar’s Japanese Auto Repair.

If you want to make connections with potential customers and business owners from around Nebraska and surrounding states, consider being a sponsor or an exhibitor for the 5th annual Nebraska MarketPlace.

The 2nd annual Kansas MarketPlace had 215 registered attendees, 30 exhibitors, 66 speakers, and abundant opportunities for attendees to absorb information and make connections.

A reader recently charged that our articles calling for action on climate change demonstrate we are just out to promote the “progressive agenda.”

This has been a busy year at the Center for Rural Affairs, and with the support of our partners, we’ve accomplished a lot.