Editor's note:
This summer, I told quite a few people in my network that I was on a literal “field trip” to southwestern Nebraska. It was exciting.
Andrew Tonnies and Kalee Olson, Center staff who work on agriculture policy, invited me to join them for a conservation field day featuring Vance McCoy, a farmer in southwestern Nebraska.
People were eager to attend. I thought I was late when I pulled into the “parking lot” which already had more than a dozen pickups. But, no, I was still about 10 minutes early with even more trucks arriving after me.
Overall, 41 people joined in the event which was a part of our Conservation Mentorship Network. While Vance showcased the practices he uses to prioritize soil health and reduce input costs, attendees were not shy in asking questions about types of cover crops, methods, equipment, and more. I learned a lot from the conversation and from others’ experiences.
You can learn more about the network here.
-Rhea Landholm
In this issue:
Center for Rural Affairs statement on Solar for All — On Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, the Center for Rural Affairs received a formal notice of termination from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its $62.4 million Solar for All grant.
Farmers market’s second season brings in more than 100 vendors — While small towns and large cities both welcome farmers markets to their communities, not every place has the means or ability to run a market. When Misty Schaecher started a cut-flower business in 2020, she drove 30 minutes to a neighboring community to sell her blooms because she had no local farmers market.
Rural Iowa county’s experience with wind energy highlighted in case study — Wind energy was introduced in Iowa in the early 2000s, and many counties have since benefited from that development, including Howard County.
Passion percolates into profession for business owner — Once Lisa found a home for her shop, she had the business up and running in two months.
Co-op grocery store creates community stability, new life — Shopping at a small town grocery store is more than just buying food; it’s chatting with a neighbor in the middle of the aisle, picking up the final ingredient to finish cooking dinner, and seeing a familiar face smiling at you from behind the cash register.
New report examines positive impact of funding boost for producers, conservation in Iowa — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs that help producers incorporate conservation practices into their farm and ranch operations are popular with producers in Iowa. A new report from the Center examines the historic increase in funding made available for the programs in recent years, and the demand that followed.
Top 5 grant writing tips for rural leaders — Whether you’re new to grant writing or just looking to strengthen your next proposal, these tips can help you put your best foot forward.
Would you like to receive our paper or virtual newsletter? Sign up here.
