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.

Throughout this edition, you will see this value in action: in Crystal Powers who makes sure her land is used in the best way possible; in our stand for fairness in farming; and in our support for veterans who look to continue their sense of service and work ethic in farming or ranching.
  • Small Towns
Wind turbines are multiplying across the U.S., and most are installed in rural areas overlooking crops, cattle, timber, and lakes. Rural communities have experienced several benefits from the development of wind energy, but the growth of the industry has also presented a challenge in the form of...
  • Policy
This edition of our newsletter focuses on genuine OPPORTUNITY for all to earn a living, raise a family, and prosper in a rural place.
  • Farm and Food
  • Lending
  • Small Towns
Development of transmission lines, wind, and solar energy has the potential to be a huge economic opportunity for rural communities in Iowa. With the implementation of any new infrastructure, residents need to know their rights and how to negotiate benefits to receive the best, most cost effective...
  • Policy
As the renewable electricity sector grows in Iowa and across the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) footprint, rural stakeholders increasingly experience both benefits and drawbacks from wind, solar, and electric transmission line development. Renewable energy infrastructure and...
  • Policy
This 2018 calendar illustrates month-by-month the accomplishments you helped us achieve in 2017. With your help, small businesses are open and expanding; food systems are created and thriving; and rural people across the country are making their voices heard. Your donations and your actions helped...
  • Small Towns
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides food assistance to 1 in 7 Americans, and 1 in 11 Nebraskans. This white paper by Jordan Rasmussen, policy program associate, examines “A Discrepancy in Rural Nebraska’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).” In rural...
  • Small Towns
To ensure business owners are offered the products and services they need, it is imperative to simply ask. Business needs change as the economy shifts and technology modernizes, and entrepreneurs fluctuate in interests, financial situations, and energy levels. As citizens, large business owners, and...
  • Lending
Crystal Powers, co-owner and co-operator of Darby Springs Farm, in Ceresco, Nebraska, participates in our Women's Learning Circles. Darby Springs Farm motivation and practices: Motivation for farming is to help people restore land through sustainable agriculture. Finds ways to utilize land to her...
  • Farm and Food
Working lands conservation programs, such as the Conservation Stewardship Program, provide the necessary tools for farmers and producers to maintain agricultural production on their land, simultaneously addressing resource concerns within their operations. Funding and strengthening working lands...
  • Farm and Food
Working lands conservation programs, such as the Conservation Stewardship Program, provide the necessary tools for farmers and producers to maintain agricultural production on their land, simultaneously addressing resource concerns within their operations. Funding and strengthening working lands...
  • Farm and Food
Working lands conservation programs, such as the Conservation Stewardship Program, provide the necessary tools for farmers and producers to maintain agricultural production on their land, simultaneously addressing resource concerns within their operations. Funding and strengthening working lands...
  • Farm and Food
Working lands conservation programs, such as the Conservation Stewardship Program, provide the necessary tools for farmers and producers to maintain agricultural production on their land, simultaneously addressing resource concerns within their operations. Funding and strengthening working lands...
  • Farm and Food
Working lands conservation programs, such as the Conservation Stewardship Program, provide the necessary tools for farmers and producers to maintain agricultural production on their land, simultaneously addressing resource concerns within their operations. Funding and strengthening working lands...
  • Farm and Food
Working lands conservation programs, such as the Conservation Stewardship Program, provide the necessary tools for farmers and producers to maintain agricultural production on their land, simultaneously addressing resource concerns within their operations. Funding and strengthening working lands...
  • Farm and Food
Erin Schoenberg, co-owner of the Darlin' Reds, northwest of Lincoln, Nebraska, participates in our Women's Learning Circles. The Darlin' Reds motivation and practices: Use only sustainable farming practices, with conservation as a priority. Strive to show the community just how good local food can...
  • Farm and Food
The Center for Rural Affairs’ mission is to establish strong rural communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, and genuine opportunity for all, while engaging people in decisions that affect the quality of their lives and the future of their communities. To do that, we need...
  • Farm and Food
Our Byway of Art project demonstrates the history, arts, and culture of three rural towns. Residents of Decatur, Oakland, and Lyons embraced community-driven art and now have projects for future generations to enjoy.
  • Small Towns
This report documents the current state of the food system on the Santee Sioux Reservation in Nebraska and identifies strategies and areas of consideration to enable the Santee Sioux people and their neighbors to move toward realizing self-reliance of their food system. In November 2015, in...
  • Small Towns
This edition of our newsletter focuses on STEWARDSHIP of the natural environment upon which all of us – current and future generations – rely.
  • Small Towns