Reports & Publications

Across the U.S., many cities, counties, and states are taking advantage of affordable renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy. Over the past nine years, the price of installing solar energy projects has decreased by 70 percent, while the average cost of constructing a wind energy...

Renewable energy has provided several benefits for rural communities and counties across Nebraska. In addition to producing clean, low-cost renewable energy, these projects create new employment opportunities during the construction and operation periods. Additionally, renewable generation has...

Throughout the Midwest region of the U.S., farmers, schools, and small businesses have been on the frontline of solar energy adoption. Collectively, states in the Midwest employ approximately 36,605 workers in the solar industry with 3,118.67 megawatts (MW) of installed solar capacity. These jobs...

As Iowans, water is central to each of our most basic activities, and, in our state, there is a lot of it. Across Iowa, there are 416 square miles of surface water, which 3,155,070 residents rely on for recreation, drinking water, agriculture, or other purposes. At the same time, Iowa ranks second...

Across the U.S., the solar industry is booming. Solar project sites often occupy several acres of land and are projected to cover 3 million acres by 2030. To produce 1 megawatt of electricity (enough to power between 100 to 150 homes in South Dakota), utility-scale solar plants may require between 5...

Across the world, we continue to endure the coronavirus pandemic. Our work at the Center for Rural Affairs has evolved to support rural America through this time. One of the core values continuously on our minds is “CONSCIENCE that balances self-interest with an obligation to the common good and future generations.”

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) has helped Iowa farmers achieve conservation goals on their operations for nearly two decades. Administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), CSP provides financial and technical assistance for producers to maintain agricultural...

Policy Associate Cody Smith hosts this virtual Rural Resiliency Forum featuring Iowa State Sen. Zach Wahls. Discussion covers clean energy, water quality, and climate adaptation. If you’d like to connect with Sen. Wahls, here is his contact information: Email: zach.wahls@legis.iowa.gov State Capitol...

The Center for Rural Affairs recently undertook a project to research different designs of bee hives, their practicality in Nebraska, their weights, and honey production. The goal of the project is to strengthen the specialty crop industry in the state, and honey is a specialty crop. Using the...

With more than 600,000 miles of operational transmission lines throughout the U.S., there is a significant opportunity for investments in conservation. By establishing native vegetation in these project corridors, developers and private landowners can add value to the rights of way used by electric...

Owners of microbusinesses, sole proprietors, and farmers need to make sure they are prepared in the event a member of their business tests positive for COVID-19. Rapid response to an outbreak minimizes spread and the impact on business. Having a plan in place could mean the difference between continuing modified operations or shutting down.

Los propietarios de microempresas, los propietarios únicos y los agricultores deben asegurarse de estar preparados en caso de que un miembro de su equipo dé positivo para COVID-19. La respuesta rápida a un brote minimiza la propagación y el impacto en los negocios. Tener un plan en marcha podría significar la diferencia entre continuar las operaciones modificadas o cerrar.

Due to COVID-19, local foods have become a buzzword. More farmers are utilizing direct to consumer marketing strategies to reach customers through online sales, community-supported agriculture (CSAs), and farmers markets. Is there room for schools in these markets? Farm to School can be concentrated...

The first value of the Center for Rural Affairs is “RESPONSIBILITY placed upon each of us to contribute to our community and society.” So, when COVID-19 hit the communities we live and work in, our staff each felt responsible to continue the work we do to support rural America.

More than 1 in 10 school-age children lack any kind of internet at home. In what has come to be known as the “homework gap,” students without internet at home have more difficulty completing school work than their connected peers. Rural areas, which already lag behind in connectivity, face even...

When planning for a solar project site with native vegetation (including naturalized, non-invasive species), there are several variables site managers should consider. While the clearance between the lowest edge of a solar panel and the ground is a primary consideration when crafting a mix of native...

Join us the first and third Tuesday of the month at noon for our Facebook Live series, Rural Rapport. Each week, a Center staff member will share resources and information on a range of topics. Can't watch it live? No problem. Watch anytime at facebook.com/ruralaffairs or visit our YouTube channel...

Cover crops are important for building soil health and protecting Iowa’s watersheds. The average cost is $37 per acre to implement cover crops. To assist farmers and landowners interested in implementing cover crops, there are many state and federal programs available that not only provide technical...

Family farms are the backbone of rural communities in the Midwest. Farms rely on sound risk management options and practices, and federal crop insurance is a central tool for many farms to manage risk. However, crop insurance is not available to all farms and ranches. While there is a wide diversity...

The wind energy industry remains one of the fastest growing in the United States. In 2018, U.S. wind capacity increased by 8 percent, bringing total installed capacity to 96,433 megawatts (MW). An additional 35,135 MW of capacity were under development at the end of 2018—including projects that had...