News Releases

An innovative new approach to conservation pioneered by leaders in central Iowa will be the topic of discussion during an upcoming webinar hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.

As demand for solar energy continues to grow, the co-location of solar and agriculture—also known as agrivoltaics—offers opportunities for conservation, food production, increasing pollinator habitat, and adding farm revenue streams while producing affordable renewable energy.

With U.S. House and Senate congressional committees considering funding for 2024, the Center for Rural Affairs and 30 organizations from across the country are asking for their continued support of rural small businesses.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has announced the availability of approximately $31 million in funding for projects as part of the Value-Added Producer Grants program.

Schools in 12 counties in southwest Iowa are encouraged to apply to participate in a new farm to school agriculture education program hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs. Five K-12 schools will be chosen to begin and/or reinvigorate agriculture education.

Richard “Dick” Potter of Valparaiso received the 2023 Outstanding Farmer Veteran Award at the 56th annual Triumph of Ag Expo on March 2 in Omaha. The award is sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs.

Spanish-speaking community members interested in starting or improving their child care businesses are invited to attend a free conference presented in Spanish.

The Center for Rural Affairs is encouraged to see the Biden administration’s support for agricultural producers and rural communities in its federal budget released Thursday. The proposed budget includes funding for a cover crop incentive program, as well as boosts in funding for programs supporting voluntary conservation and rural small businesses.

Supporters wanting to ensure Medicaid recipients have equitable access to health care and that families continue to receive the assistance they need to put food on the table appeared before the Nebraska Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee this week, seeking the advancement of two bills.

On Monday, the Center for Rural Affairs joined more than 600 organizations, businesses, and farms to urge U.S. House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders to protect historic investments in conservation and climate-smart agriculture.

Farmers and ranchers, restaurant owners, and local food supporters in Buffalo County are invited to take part in a skills development program resulting in Local Food Leader Certification.

With more than 620 versions of regulations governing their industry, Nebraska food truck owners say this regulatory free-for-all is forcing them to turn down opportunities to work in multiple locations.

The Center for Rural Affairs, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has announced recognition of outstanding people and entities in three states.

The sign-up period for farmers interested in enrolling in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is open. In Iowa, the deadline to submit initial paperwork is March 17.

Military veterans interested in agriculture are invited to attend a series of on-farm and virtual workshops highlighting a poultry producer specializing in egg production.

Results of surveys conducted by the Center for Rural Affairs show Iowa’s Watershed Management Authorities (WMA) are making an impact as community leaders look to advance goals related to flood resiliency and water quality. Yet, the groups face an uncertain future.

Continuing a trend that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, Center for Rural Affairs Policy Director Johnathan Hladik said more people are choosing to relocate to smaller communities, a wave that could open the door to reversing Nebraska's rural population decline.

Wyatt Fraas has been recognized for 30 years of employment at the Center for Rural Affairs. Fraas, Farm and Community Assistant Director, handles program, grant, and project management—meaning he does everything from supervising staff members to developing partnerships with other organizations and agencies to advising beginning and retiring farmers

A survey of participants in the Midwest shows the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is making strides in providing financial and technical assistance for producers to maintain agricultural production on their land and simultaneously address resource concerns with conservation practices.

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 Feb. 10.