We are unapologetically rural. We stand up for the small family farmer and rancher, new business owner, and rural communities. For more than 40 years, we've been a leading force engaging people to build a better rural future. We live this work. Welcome to our rural revolution.
Unfortunately, there are very few grant opportunities available for beginning farmers and ranchers. We have listed financing options and grants on this resource page.
We were glad to see many changes in the 2018 farm bill that strengthen conservation and support for rural communities, but the final bill left a great deal to be desired on structural changes to agricultural policy and funding for particular programs. We’ll continue working with Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to monitor implementation of the 2018 farm bill. Check out updates on our farm bill page here.
We have information on setting up your farm business, farm financials, and farm transition finances. If you are looking for land, we keep an up-to-date list of land matching programs across the U.S. and Canada. In addition, we offer beginning farmer and landowner workshops in Nebraska. Visit our farming page for details.
The logo shape itself resembles an arched window. We are, in effect, looking through this window to rural America—over the shoulders of those who live and work in this place—and sharing their view of what is important to them.
The logo image combines people, community, and natural resources. The raw materials that form the very substance of rural America. There is an interdependent relationship between these components that must be recognized and nurtured to maintain the viability and sustainability of rural areas.
The Center for Rural Affairs is concerned not only with what happens in rural areas today, but in the future. The intergenerational image (father and daughter) speaks to this concern and underscores the fact that decisions we make today will be the heritage we pass along to future generations.
The logo is by no means an idealized view of rural America—nor is it a "hearkening back" to the way things were. Instead, the father and daughter in the image are looking ahead and beyond—envisioning a future in the place they call "home." The road to the horizon also communicates a "looking ahead" and a path to be taken.
Establish strong rural communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, and genuine opportunity for all while engaging people in decisions that affect the quality of their lives and the future of their communities.
