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.

LEXINGTON, NEBRASKA – The Latino population in several Nebraska communities now has access to an additional news source. “Noticias De Mi Pueblo” or “My Town’s News” has expanded its focus to Hastings...
  • Small Towns
NEVADA, IOWA - Populations of all pollinators, including honey bees, native bees, and monarch butterflies, could more than triple on solar project sites with investments in native vegetation...
  • Policy
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to accept applications for the new Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2). This program will offer payments to farmers and...
  • Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The sign-up period for Nebraska farmers interested in enrolling in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) has begun. “For farmers and ranchers who are already doing conservation...
  • Farm and Food
NEVADA, IOWA – Had the Iowa Legislature passed the proposed Invest in Iowa Act during the 2020 legislative session, more than $1.37 billion would have been available for natural resources and outdoor...
  • Policy
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The Nebraska Advantage Microenterprise Tax Credit will be the topic of discussion during a virtual town hall hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs on Oct. 27. “The Nebraska...
  • Lending
LYONS, NEBRASKA – November is right around the corner and, with it, the deadline for applications for the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s NextGen program offers...
  • Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Nebraska beginning farmers and ranchers are invited to attend free, virtual workshops designed to explore different agricultural enterprises, hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs....
  • Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Los agricultores y ganaderos principiantes de Nebraska están invitados a asistir a talleres virtuales gratuitos diseñados para explorar diferentes empresas agrícolas, organizados por...
  • Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The Nebraska Food Council endorses the Strengthening Local Processing Act introduced on Sept. 29 in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jeff...
  • Small Towns
  • Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Despite bipartisan support, rural small businesses and communities with loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development program will not be included in the latest stimulus package for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Lending
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Legislation to support local business and livestock producers was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today by U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Jeff Fortenberry (R...
  • Farm and Food
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Entrepreneurs and small business managers are invited to attend free, virtual workshops that are a continuation of the Emergency Readiness Series, sponsored by the Center for Rural...
  • Lending
HASTINGS, NEBRASKA – Entrepreneurs and business owners are invited to attend a workshop focused on QuickBooks. This free event is sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs, Hastings Chamber of...
  • Lending
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Entrepreneurs interested in growing their business during COVID-19 are invited to attend a variety of workshops set to occur throughout September. These free, online events are...
  • Lending
LYONS, NEBRASKA—The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) has helped Nebraska and Iowa farmers and ranchers achieve conservation goals on their operations for nearly two decades, and the states are...
  • Farm and Food
NEVADA, IOWA – Three weeks after a devastating derecho storm swept across the state, Iowans in 26 counties are left with no decision on federal relief from the president. Cody Smith, policy associate...
  • Small Towns
NEVADA, IOWA – Local leaders will facilitate a discussion about strategies to address climate change in rural areas with U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA) on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The Iowa Climate Solutions...
  • Policy
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Nebraska State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth and Kevin Barnhill, owner of the Blair Meat Market in Blair, will discuss, and take questions on the problems facing local meat processors...
  • Small Towns
CEDAR BLUFFS, NEBRASKA – Nancy Meyer, of Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska, has been appointed to the Center for Rural Affairs Board of Directors. The Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit...
  • Small Towns