News Releases

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.

NEVADA, IOWA – The deadline for Iowa farmers interested in submitting new applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is May 7. This is the second deadline for 2021 funding, following a first batch cutoff in December 2020.
  • Farm and Food
  • Policy
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The Center for Rural Affairs is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to begin implementing a much-needed grant program authorized under a stimulus package approved by Congress in December. That legislation set funding aside to improve capacity at local meat lockers, but the agency has been slow to respond.
  • Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA - The sign-up period for farmers and ranchers interested in enrolling in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is open. In North Dakota, the deadline to submit initial paperwork is April 23.
  • Farm and Food
  • Policy
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Nebraska entrepreneurs and small business managers are invited to attend a variety of virtual workshops sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs. Workshops offered in April include...
  • Lending
RANDALIA, IOWA – Rural Iowans are invited to join state Rep. Chad Ingels for a discussion on strategies to build resilient rural communities during an online event set for April 8. The virtual Rural Resiliency Forum, which will be from noon to 1 p.m., will be hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.
  • Lending
  • Small Towns
  • Policy
Nebraska state Sen. John McCollister will join other speakers to discuss the lack of food access in rural areas as part of a town hall discussion hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs. “Helping Families Find Success and Stability,” will begin at 12:15 p.m. on March 31.
  • Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Small business owners or those looking to start a small business in northeast Nebraska, are invited to “Building Northeast Nebraska Businesses.” This free, online event is hosted by...
  • Lending
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The sign-up period for farmers interested in enrolling in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is open. In Minnesota, the deadline to submit initial paperwork is March 26. “CSP...
  • Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The sign-up period for farmers and ranchers interested in enrolling in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is open. In Kansas, if you are interested in enrolling for the first...
  • Farm and Food
For farmers and ranchers eligible to renew for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), a national application deadline of March 31 has been set.
  • Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The Center for Rural Affairs is now offering home ownership and home improvement loans in rural Nebraska. Loans between $5,000 and $100,000 are available for the purchase of a home...
  • Lending
  • Small Towns
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Sarah Smith, of Lincoln, to receive the 2020 Bob Steffen Pioneer Award. The Bob Steffen Pioneer Award is bestowed by the Center each year to a...
  • Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Luis, Jose, and Cristobal Salinas, owners of Burrito House in Schuyler, Nebraska, to receive its 2020 Women’s Business Center Entrepreneur...
  • Lending
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Mike Tabbert, of rural Antelope County, Nebraska, to receive its 2020 Citizenship Award. The Citizenship Award is given to an individual or...
  • Small Towns
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen the Associated General Contractors - Nebraska Building Chapter to receive its 2020 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. The Entrepreneurial Spirit...
  • Lending
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Sen. Tom Brandt, of Plymouth, Nebraska, to receive the 2020 George Norris Policymaker Award. The George Norris Policymaker Award is given to a...
  • Small Towns
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The sign-up period for farmers and ranchers interested in enrolling in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is open. In South Dakota, the deadline to submit initial paperwork...
  • Farm and Food
  • Policy
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Nebraskans interested in learning about the role and importance of bees are invited to a beekeeping workshop hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs. This free event will be offered...
  • Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Habitantes de Nebraska interesados ​​en conocer el papel y la importancia de las abejas están invitados a un taller de apicultura organizado por el Center for Rural Affairs. Este...
  • Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Nebraska entrepreneurs and small business managers are invited to attend a variety of virtual workshops sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs. Workshops offered in March include...
  • Lending