We are committed to keeping the issues facing rural America in the news media. Here you'll find news on the work we do on public policy, farming and ranching, small businesses, and rural communities.
As electricity demand grows, solar energy projects are being deployed at a rapid rate. New research from the Center for Rural Affairs highlights how land use tax policy can incentivize keeping land used for solar development in agricultural use at the same time.
- Policy
Lyons, Nebraska - Demand for reliable, affordable electricity is driving wind and solar energy development across Wisconsin. As more projects are proposed and built, local communities have an...
- Policy
The Center for Rural Affairs applauds Nebraska lawmakers for their passage of LB 1205, legislation that strengthens the state’s long-standing Microenterprise Assistance Program, which supports the state’s smallest businesses and the communities they serve.
- Policy
The Center for Rural Affairs and 22 organizations from across the country are asking Congress to support rural small businesses as lawmakers consider funding for 2027. On Monday, the groups, representing 17 states, sent a letter to the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittees requesting $5 million for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP).
- Small Towns
- Policy
The Center for Rural Affairs has announced recognition of outstanding people and businesses building strong and vibrant rural communities.
- Small Towns
Farmers and ranchers interested in learning more about conservation are invited to two free online webinars hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs. “Nutrient Management Webinar” is scheduled for Monday, March 2, from 9 to 10 a.m. “Buffer Strips and Field Borders Webinar” is set for Thursday, March 26, from 9 to 10 a.m.
- Farm and Food
- Policy
A shift is underway in America's energy landscape. As Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have increased by fivefold in just four years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, rural communities are being presented with new requests to safely host and integrate this emerging technology.
- Policy
AVOCA, IOWA – Home gardeners and small growers looking to scale up are invited to attend a free workshop that will provide the tools and knowledge to help them sell their produce locally. Hosted by...
- Small Towns
- Farm and Food
Across rural America, solar energy projects are becoming increasingly common. With demand for renewable energy continuing to grow, opportunities to combine solar projects with agricultural production can create pathways for economic and environmental benefits.
- Farm and Food
- Policy
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Military veterans interested in agriculture are invited to attend a series of on-farm and virtual workshops focusing on farm stays and outdoor experiences. This course is free for...
- Small Towns
- Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA—Farmers and ranchers interested in learning more about rotational grazing are invited to a free online webinar hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs. The virtual event is scheduled...
- Farm and Food
- Policy
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Farmers and ranchers interested in signing up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) have until Jan. 15 to submit initial...
- Farm and Food
- Policy
LYONS, NEBRASKA — With the demand for electricity on the rise, the current transmission system cannot handle the level of growth it is expected to face without significant upgrades. This could have...
- Policy
LYONS, NEBRASKA–Six farmers markets will be chosen to receive resources and assistance through the 2026 Rural Farmers Markets and Local Food Access in Nebraska, presented by the Center for Rural...
- Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA — Managing the land used to host solar energy projects with conservation practices can be a tool for good land stewardship, offering economic and ecological benefits. Released today, a fact sheet from the Center for Rural Affairs, “Unlocking the Dual Benefits of Solar Energy and Conservation Practices,” analyzes the dual benefits of solar energy and conservation practices.
- Policy
NEVADA, IOWA – Iowa farmers interested in signing up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) have until Oct. 10 to submit initial paperwork. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), CSP and EQIP provide financial and technical assistance for producers implementing conservation practices while maintaining agricultural production.
- Policy
Southwest Iowans who support local foods and local farms are invited to attend a one-day summit featuring educational sessions, exhibitors, and an indoor farmers market. The third annual Southwest Iowa Local Foods Summit is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Logan, Iowa, and will include real-time interpretation from English to Spanish.
- Small Towns
- Farm and Food
Los habitantes del suroeste de Iowa que apoyan los alimentos y las granjas locales están invitados a asistir a una cumbre de un día que contará con sesiones educativas, exhibidores y un mercado de agricultores bajo techo. La tercera Cumbre Anual de Alimentos Locales del Suroeste de Iowa está programada para el viernes 14 de noviembre, de 8 a. m. a 4 p. m., en Logan, Iowa, e incluirá interpretación en tiempo real del inglés al español.
- Small Towns
- Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Ten child care providers from across Nebraska will have an opportunity to participate in a newly created Childcare Accelerator Award Program hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs...
- Lending
MASON CITY, IOWA – The Winnebago River Watershed Management Coalition (WRWMC) is inviting the public to share their ideas and concerns about improving water quality, reducing flood risks, and...
- Policy
