Wind farm and corn field

Reports & Publications

We aren't afraid of the weeds. The people living in rural America deserve a serious and in-depth look at the issues and forces impacting their communities.

Independent local meat processors are a vital component of resilient food systems. They contribute to the rural economy, provide a needed service to livestock producers, and ensure quality meat is readily available.
  • Farm and Food
Anchor Meadow Farm, located in Milford, Nebraska, offers high-quality pork from KuneKune pigs, free range eggs, honey, and beeswax items.
  • Farm and Food
On Dec. 8, 2021, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced a historic $100 million investment of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for water infrastructure and water quality efforts. Of that, $5 million was made available for nonpoint source Watershed Protection Projects that address water quality, and focus...
  • Policy
As solar projects across the nation continue to expand, solar grazing has emerged as a valuable tool. Using livestock to manage vegetation at solar sites can enhance site value by keeping land in agricultural use, providing new income streams for local farmers, and adding environmental benefits such as decreased erosion and enhanced soil health.
  • Small Towns
  • Farm and Food
  • Policy
A medida que los proyectos solares en todo el país continúan expandiéndose, el pastoreo solar se ha convertido en una herramienta valiosa. El uso de ganado para administrar la vegetación en los sitios solares puede mejorar el valor del sitio al mantener la tierra en uso agrícola, proporcionar nuevas fuentes de ingresos para los agricultores locales y agregar beneficios ambientales como una disminución de la erosión y una mejor salud del suelo.
  • Small Towns
  • Farm and Food
  • Policy
Long-term viability of farms and ranches depends on the sustained health of soil and water resources. However, most conservation practices require a front-end investment from farmers and ranchers, which can serve as a barrier for implementation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a number of federal programs that take different approaches to supporting farmers, ranchers, and landowners in preserving natural resources.
  • Policy
  • Farm and Food
This 2022 calendar illustrates month-by-month the accomplishments you helped us achieve in 2021.
  • Policy
  • Farm and Food
  • Lending
  • Small Towns
Owners of microbusinesses, sole proprietors, and farmers need to make sure they are prepared in the event of a major flood. Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S. Being well-prepared minimizes the impact on business. Having a plan in place protects not only operations, but people.
  • Policy
  • Lending
Los propietarios de microempresas, los propietarios únicos y los agricultores deben asegurarse de estar preparados en caso de una inundación importante. Las inundaciones son el desastre natural más común y costoso en los EE. UU. Estar bien preparado minimiza el impacto en las empresas. Tener un plan implementado protege no sólo las operaciones, sino también a las personas. El Center for Rural Affairs ha desarrollado la siguiente lista de verificación para facilitar una planificación rápida y sencilla.
  • Policy
  • Lending
The Center for Rural Affairs' Small Business News includes select success stories on Nebraska entrepreneurs assisted by our programs and information that you may need to start or grow your business.
  • Lending
Noticias sobre Pequeñas Empresas del Center for Rural Affairs, incluyen historias seleccionadas de éxito de empresarios de Nebraska asistidos por nuestros programas e información que puede necesitar para iniciar o expandir su negocio.
  • Lending
A couple of years ago, the Center began a new area of work, focusing on bringing communities together through inclusive activities. One of these projects is featured on the front page of this newsletter.
  • Lending
  • Small Towns
  • Farm and Food
  • Policy
Some farmers in the Midwest and Great Plains opt to grow small grains as part of their operations. Their reasons range from conservation benefits to the requirements of organic certification to local markets they have identified. However, while small grains do have benefits on the landscape, they come with associated risks. To manage that risk, one tool available to farmers is federal crop insurance.
  • Policy
  • Farm and Food
Opportunity begins in youth. In this edition, we learn about how UMÓⁿHOⁿ Nation Public School students are cultivating their own food while learning about their language and customs. I had the chance to visit their thriving seven-acre garden, and I am so proud of the Center’s role in this big project.
  • Farm and Food
  • Small Towns
Beekeeping looks different in every state, and in every different climate. This fact sheet provides an example of an average Nebraskan beekeeper's year.
  • Farm and Food
La apicultura se ve diferente en cada estado y en cada clima. Esta hoja informativa proporciona un ejemplo del año promedio para un apicultor de Nebraska.
  • Farm and Food
¿Está buscando formas de ayudar a otros? Consulte las "10 Mejores Formas de Aumentar Su Impacto" para ver todas las formas en que puede marcar la diferencia.
  • Small Towns
Are you looking for ways to help others? Check out, “Top 10 Ways to Increase Your Impact,” to see all the ways you can make a difference.
  • Small Towns
Administrado por la Agencia de Servicios Agrícolas (FSA) del Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU. El programa proporciona pagos a los propietarios de ganado, incluyendo a las abejas melíferas, cuando experimentan pérdidas debido a enfermedades, condiciones climáticas adversas o incendios forestales.
  • Farm and Food
What do beekeepers need to know about the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP)? Find out in this fact sheet.
  • Farm and Food