Blog Posts & Stories

Each year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes billions of dollars in total payments to farmers across the country. They rely on these payments as part of a strong safety net, which helps them mitigate the steep risk that comes with working in the agricultural sector.

After migrating from Mexico to the United States in 1994, Carlos Barcenas discovered that, though the landscape may change, rural living still encompasses the same ideals. “Rural brings a sense of...

Recently, Utahns surpassed the threshold of signature collection to place Medicaid expansion on the November ballot. Idaho is following close behind. The residents of these rural states seek to extend access to coverage that has been denied by their state governments.

Over the next month, Nebraskans have the opportunity to help bring health care access to 90,000 of our hard-working neighbors. By offering your signature to the Insure the Good Life ballot initiative, the state will be closer to closing the gap for those in our communities who work hard every day to provide for their families, but who are left without health care coverage.

Fifteen years ago, a fairgrounds manager was looking for someone to do concessions at events. Dennis and Wanda Pace and their daughter, Jodi, agreed. They didn’t realize the request would eventually...

Driving down main streets in many Nebraska communities offers a similar view – old, brick buildings line the street, interspersed among newer, modern facades. Some are well maintained while others are...

We are writing as farmers and ranchers in Nebraska to ask you to support conservation and beginning farmer programs in the upcoming farm bill. Investments in these areas today will provide valuable benefit to the Nebraska of tomorrow.

In May 2003, Norma Avalos and her family established Taqueria Max, an authentic, premium Mexican restaurant located in Lexington, Nebraska. They offer homemade quesadillas, gorditas, sopes, and more.

When attempting to overcome bias, like anything else, knowing is half the battle. While many of us are familiar with the concept of bias, having a deeper understanding of what it is and how it manifests is often the first step in circumventing the negative ramifications. Bias can limit the potential for growth, innovation, and success on both an individual and community wide level.

I love the wind. I like to feel it rushing by, rustling leaves. I like to watch birds catch a breeze and take off. My son loves flying kites, and watching bubbles twisting around, showing us just how...

A big thank you goes out to everyone who contacted their representatives about the House draft of the farm bill, H.R. 2. Democracy only works through the consistent and cumulative engagement of...

Food and economic security in rural communities is directly related to community development. In many rural areas, food purchased at grocery stores is imported, and dollars spent for this food...

​​​​​​​Many farmers and ranchers can make a higher profit by processing raw agricultural commodities into “value-added” goods. For example, fruit made into jam or milk made into cheese each fetch a higher price than the base ingredients.

Today, the House of Representatives failed to pass H.R. 2, its draft of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, commonly known as the farm bill. Representatives voted 198 in favor and 213 against...

As farmers and ranchers in Kansas, we write to you with concerns about the future of conservation programs authorized in Title II of the Farm Bill.

Iowa’s future as a leader in renewable energy is on the ballot in 2018. As legislators head home and campaigns gear up for important primary elections, voters should call attention to key policy changes our state will face for our energy future.

Farmers and small business owners who want to embrace renewable energy will not get any help from the federal government under the proposed farm bill headed to the U.S. House of Representatives this week.

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote very soon on a troubling draft of the farm bill. Their proposal would slash working lands conservation funding, open up loopholes for unlimited...

​​​​​​​In recent past, the Great Plains has experienced extreme weather conditions. Most recently, we witnessed very high winds combined with dry conditions, resulting in dust clouds reminiscent of the 1930s.

The House Agriculture Committee has proposed and voted for a new version of the farm bill. Unfortunately, their proposed bill fails rural Nebraskans.