Blog Posts & Stories

Many parts of Nebraska, from the Omaha metro to the panhandle, are faced with slow and unreliable connections. For those left offline the missed opportunities continue to build. Here, we've mapped some of the issues facing rural residents and communities.

To say that we live in a challenging time is quite the understatement. For the past several months, almost everyone’s “normal” has been upended. Many of us are spending much more time at home than we ever have before. However, for people of color in this country, the spectra of widespread, systemic, and institutionalized racism remains a steadfast constant.

Community responsibility is an often cited virtue in small towns. It is a value rooted in a commitment to neighbor and community. We witnessed it in barn raisings of past generations and in volunteer...

As a child, Megan Gewecke never missed an opportunity to help others in need. Her desire to assist people eventually led Megan down the mental health career path. She is now a licensed psychologist...

With the national focus on the widespread impacts of the coronavirus, the normal order of things has been thrown in disarray. Annual appropriations for agricultural programs is no exception. However...

Growing up, Dusty VanRenan and Amanda Meier knew a thing or two about processing their own livestock.

The Center for Rural Affairs joined 25 organizations in signing a letter on July 23 requesting members of the Nebraska Legislature to establish clear and enforceable COVID-19 temporary protections for...

Former and current Center for Rural Affairs staff members contributed to this blog. Paul Olson suffered a massive heart attack at age 31 and lived. “I thought, heck, I’ve got a lifetime ahead of me,”...

After a nearly four month recess due to COVID-19 concerns, the Nebraska Legislature reconvened its 2020 session on Monday. Lawmakers returned to the legislative chambers with several safety measures in place, including plexiglass dividers and restrictions on who could be on the floor during the proceedings.

Businesses across Nebraska can now get help navigating challenges during the coronavirus pandemic through new online classes offered by the Center for Rural Affairs.

Input from producers and a review of the market led the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to add to and expand the list of commodities eligible for assistance under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).

Las aportaciones de los productores y una revisión del mercado llevaron al Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA) a agregar y ampliar la lista de productos elegibles para recibir asistencia bajo el Programa de Asistencia Alimentaria Coronavirus (CFAP).

​​​​​​​A bipartisan committee in the U.S. House of Representatives recently released a comprehensive plan outlining the policy steps needed to address climate change.

Nearly two years after voters approved a measure to expand Medicaid, Nebraskans will finally start to see the benefits take shape.

The wind-energy industry has a strong presence in states such as Iowa. But for more projects to move forward, a new report says local governments and developers need to be diligent in sorting out zoning issues.

A long-time fan of the Center for Rural Affairs’ work, Patty Plugge has been an enthusiastic voice in rural matters well before actually partnering with the organization. And, because of her...

The State of Nebraska is reopening the Small Business Stabilization Grant Program with expanded eligibility. Businesses who have 1 to 75 employees, lost revenue due to COVID-19, and withhold state...

​​​​​​​Ann Wolf not only leads a strong conservation nonprofit organization in Iowa, but also as a woman landowner, focusing on building her climate resiliency.

The death of George Floyd at the hands of police has ignited a movement. Floyd’s senseless and brutal death is yet another chapter in a long history of racism in our country. Demonstrations have...

Rural farmers markets play an important social and cultural role in addition to helping connect food providers and consumers. This spring, we’ve had the chance to talk one on one with dozens of market...