Blog Posts & Stories

You may have heard that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) now functions under the purview of the Agricultural Marketing Service, but that’s not all.

Though he’s only been farming for around 10 years, agriculture is in Eric Thalken’s blood. Originally from Ogallala, Nebraska, Eric spent part of his childhood in The Cornhusker State, and part of it in The Keystone State—Pennsylvania.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a joint letter encouraging market-based, collaborative approaches to reduce excess nutrients in waterways. But, few other details were offered on how to best take this approach.

Adverse possession is a common law principle that dates back to 2000 B.C. The legal principle was mentioned in 5,046 cases in the United States between 1960 and 2015. During the same time period, there were 176 cases in Nebraska that cited adverse possession.

Justino Borja’s tenacity grows from deep roots. He comes from Mexico, a family of farmers, and a history of working the land. No doubt, that’s where Justino developed his determination and his love for family and land.

An overreliance on faulty data may be leaving thousands of rural Nebraska households out of the digital age. Twice per year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) collects broadband access data through Form 477 from internet service providers. This data has a host of problems and can severely overestimate broadband access.

Nebraskans - your help is needed to advance two bills that will benefit rural Nebraska. Sen. Carol Blood has reintroduced the Beginning Veteran Farmer Tax Credit bill (LB 5), and Sen. Mark Kolterman has introduced LB 28 to address issues with adverse possession.

Some people are lucky enough to know exactly what they want to do with their lives. Ben Schole is one of those fortunate few. For him, farming has always been his calling.

Not everyone can say their hobby became a successful business venture, but for Tonya and Chad Ottemann, that’s exactly what happened.

On Election Day, voters in Idaho, Nebraska, and Utah, approved the expansion of Medicaid. This expansion will extend health insurance coverage to more than 300,000 low-income residents.

As we look forward to 2019, I am amazed what you—our staff, our board, and our supporters—have achieved. The past year marked the Center’s 45th anniversary. I am proud that the Center remains vibrant...

Lizzie Swalley believes in living a healthy life. As a leader in her Native community of Santee, Nebraska, and a community foods associate for the Center for Rural Affairs, she lives each day...

Across rural America, communities are increasingly depending on high-speed internet to complete an education, talk to their doctors, or adopt the latest farm technology. Meanwhile, access to broadband internet speeds has become a necessity in today’s digital economy.

In 2017, we developed an active presence on Iowa state policy, which continues today. Our priority issues include clean energy and water quality. We collaborate with coalition partners, develop relationships with key legislators, and engage Iowa supporters.

Elected representatives in Nebraska will debate a host of contentious issues during the 2019 legislative session, including economic development, budget and tax, health care, energy and environment, and food and agriculture.

For many years, the Center for Rural Affairs has advocated for support of common-sense and effective policy reform to close loopholes in the farm safety net and curtail further abuse of taxpayer dollars.

It's official! The first day of 2019 is here. What better way to kick it off than with a look at our most viewed post in 2018, authored by Anna Johnson, our policy manager. This piece takes a look at...

In our second highest viewed post of 2018, we feature a small business in Tekamah, Nebraska. Chatterbox Brews, a bar, restaurant, and event space, successfully worked with our small business loan specialists for financing. The owners have excited the community and, today, more development can be seen along Tekamah's main street. This blog is authored by Liz Daehnke, our communications consultant.

Today, we share number three in our top five posts countdown, a blog asking for your help. Last spring, the U.S. House of Representatives planned a vote on their version of the farm bill. This...

The year in review countdown continues with a blog we wrote on the farm bill – a topic that dominated 2018. Coming in at number four is a breakdown of the House Agriculture Committee's version of the farm bill, written by Anna Johnson, our policy manager, in April.