Blog Posts & Stories

Nearly eight months after Congress passed a second extension of the 2018 farm bill as part of the American Relief Act, lawmakers are once again facing a tight timeline to pass a new farm bill or another extension before Sept. 30.

The Norfolk Farmers Market is said to have started when a few farmers backed up their pickups on the side of the road to sell produce to people passing by. More than 50 years later, the market is...

As electricity demand in the U.S. continues to grow, modernizing the transmission system is critical to ensure long-term grid reliability while expanding access to low-cost energy resources like wind...

In rural communities, independent grocery stores often serve as the lifeblood of Main Streets. As cornerstone businesses, local grocers rely on relationships between customers and farmers to keep money local and rural economies strong.

While small towns and large cities both welcome farmers markets to their communities, not every place has the means or ability to run a market. When Misty Schaecher started her own cut-flower business...

Energy affordability and reliability are being threatened in rural America, with costly consequences for families, farmers, and small-town economies. On July 23, the U.S. Department of Energy...

Writing a successful grant application is about more than filling out forms; it’s about telling your community’s story in a way that resonates with funders. Whether you're new to grant writing or just looking to strengthen your next proposal, these tips can help you put your best foot forward.

Cody, Nebraska, has been dubbed “too tough to die.” Despite the closure of businesses and a declining population, residents have worked hard to keep their community strong. One big issue has been...

Renewable energy is boosting agricultural innovation, with farmers and ranchers finding new ways to integrate solar power into their operations. Huwa Enterprises, based in Keenesburg, Colorado, is taking a unique approach by combining solar panels with cattle grazing.

Planned gifts are an important source of funding for the Center for Rural Affairs’ work. By including the Center in your giving plans, you can make a difference and establish a legacy that reflects...

When Danelle Myer rented a vacant storefront to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her operation, One Farm, she realized she could do more than sell her own seasonal produce there; she could also help...

A year after launching plans for TT’s Hometown Pub and Grub, Christina Taylor faced mounting bills—not for lack of vision or effort, but because of a delay in the distribution of federal grant funds...

Shopping at a small town grocery store is more than just buying food; it’s chatting with a neighbor in the middle of the aisle, picking up the final ingredient to finish cooking dinner, and seeing a...

The regular session concluded on May 19, but 14 bills were left unfinished. A special session was called June 9 and concluded on June 10 when agreements were reached on all budget and policy bills...

High on a hill overlooking the Iowa River are two homes surrounded by woods and animals, including dogs, horses, goats, birds, deer, and more. From her vantage point in the Meskwaki Settlement...

Many small businesses start as bootstrapped, one-person operations: just you, your idea, and a whole lot of hustle. But as your business grows, so do your responsibilities and risks. You might begin taking on bigger projects, handling more income, or working with contractors and vendors. Once you reach this point, it may be time to consider formalizing your business, and forming a limited liability company, or LLC, is one of the most popular ways to do it. An LLC offers flexibility, protects your personal assets, and gives your business a more official standing in the eyes of banks, customers, and potential partners.

With a background in social work, Jessi Chandler Mason has discovered more than one way to serve her community. She owns The Market and Mill, a grocery store, coffee shop, community gathering place...

For small, rural communities across Iowa, the local pharmacy is more than just a place to pick up prescriptions. It is often a vital health care hub, a trusted source of advice, and a cornerstone of...

On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as part of budget reconciliation—a process by which Congress, when controlled by a single-party trifecta, may make...

Around 1,300 residents call Logan, Iowa, home. One mainstay that helps keep the small, rural town vibrant is its local grocery store. Dion Pit has owned and operated Logan Super Foods for more than 30 years, ensuring the store serves its customers and the community. Logan Super Foods is a local hub where community members gather and socialize. Its deli counter also offers hot lunches and serves around 60 customers a day.