Farm and Food News

Knives, your friends in the kitchen

By Jordan Feyerherm on June 28, 2017 - 4:36pm

With farmers market season upon us, we’re all excited to dive into the tasty local harvest. But how can we get the most out of this delicious produce? Proper preparation!

This summer, I will be at the Harrison County Farmers Market in Missouri Valley, Iowa, hosting fun, interactive culinary demonstrations for the whole family. Last month, I hosted a knife skills demo.

For many of us, knife maintenance, care, and proper usage can be an afterthought. However, well-maintained, sharp knives can make cooking more fun, easier, safer, and even tastier.  

A call to farms: help for military veterans

By Guest Writer on June 20, 2017 - 3:11pm

Military veterans in Nebraska who are new to farming, or just interested in finding out about it, have an opportunity this week to see how others have turned their military skills into a career in agriculture. 

The Answering the Call conference on Thursday in Seward offers an opportunity for veterans to get an up-close look at how other veterans are building farming operations. 

Jordan Rasmussen, a policy program associate with the Center for Rural Affairs, explains farming is a challenge, but many veterans have what it takes. 

Help rural American farmers and ranchers by finalizing USDA rules

By Anna Johnson on June 15, 2017 - 3:00pm

Farmers and ranchers have waited years for USDA to institute basic fairness protections in the contract poultry and livestock industry.

USDA seemed to be making progress last year, when it began accepting comments on three rules. The Center for Rural Affairs submitted comments to the Federal Register supporting all three rules and posted them to our website.

Leopold Center preserved; funding redirected

By Anna Johnson on May 18, 2017 - 4:02pm

Late last week, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad vetoed a provision in a budget bill that would have eliminated the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. (We sent a letter to Iowa lawmakers that can be found here.)

His action provides for the continued existence of the Leopold Center; however, state funds previously allocated to the Leopold Center will be transferred to the Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University.

Farmers and ranchers apply climate data

By Sandra Renner on May 15, 2017 - 5:12pm

For farmers and ranchers, climate and weather are not “new trends” as much as they are experiences of day-to-day reality. There is quite a lot of data available on climate change and no lack of controversy over that same data.

Here at the Center for Rural Affairs, we support farmers and ranchers who work in an ever-changing climate. Our recent conservation learning circles for women farmers and landowners have included guidance in sorting through climate data and making it applicable. Farmers can then study their impacts and prepare for the future.

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