Center for Rural Affairs
@cfraorg.bsky.social
Nonprofit working to strengthen rural communities, small businesses & family farms, in IA, MN, NE, and SD + on the federal level. Farm policy, clean energy, small business loans, food access, beginning farmers & more. Nonpartisan. Visit http://www.cfra.org
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Center for Rural Affairs Newsletter
Do you care about the future of rural America? Sign up to receive the latest news from the Center for Rural Affairs. Support rural lifestyles, small business owners, beginning farmers and ranchers, su...
secure.everyaction.com
Stay informed with our enewsletter.
For 51 years, we've been standing up for the family farmer and rancher, small business owner, and rural communities. As long as rural advocates are needed, we'll be in the front lines, building a bright rural future.
For 51 years, we've been standing up for the family farmer and rancher, small business owner, and rural communities. As long as rural advocates are needed, we'll be in the front lines, building a bright rural future.
Congratulations Danelle Myer, recipient of the Rural Community Champion award. This award recognizes individuals who work with the Center to make extraordinary contributions to their communities through innovation, stewardship, or community development. Read Danelle's story on our blog.
Iowa farmer and business owner receives Rural Community Champion Award
When Danelle Myer rented a vacant storefront to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her operation, One Farm, she realized she could do more than sell her own seasonal produce there; she could also help ...
www.cfra.org
July 1, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Congratulations Danelle Myer, recipient of the Rural Community Champion award. This award recognizes individuals who work with the Center to make extraordinary contributions to their communities through innovation, stewardship, or community development. Read Danelle's story on our blog.
Congratulations Shelley Buffalo, recipient of the 2024 Environmental Leader Award that honors accomplished leaders in environmental stewardship and recognizes individuals with a proven track record and promise of future advancement in the field.
Environmental leader focuses on food sovereignty in Meskwaki
High on a hill overlooking the Iowa River are two homes surrounded by woods and animals, including dogs, horses, goats, birds, deer, and more. From her vantage point in the Meskwaki Settlement, Shelle...
www.cfra.org
June 23, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Congratulations Shelley Buffalo, recipient of the 2024 Environmental Leader Award that honors accomplished leaders in environmental stewardship and recognizes individuals with a proven track record and promise of future advancement in the field.
Rural communities are resilient, but they need support, not funding cuts. Contact your senators and ask them to reject a reconciliation bill that threatens essential programs across rural communities.
Find out more details on our blog. www.cfra.org/blog/urge-yo...
Find out more details on our blog. www.cfra.org/blog/urge-yo...
June 10, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Rural communities are resilient, but they need support, not funding cuts. Contact your senators and ask them to reject a reconciliation bill that threatens essential programs across rural communities.
Find out more details on our blog. www.cfra.org/blog/urge-yo...
Find out more details on our blog. www.cfra.org/blog/urge-yo...
The 2025 Nebraska legislative session adjourned Monday, ending on Day 89 of the 90-day session. Lawmakers passed 204 bills, with another 113 bills incorporated as amendments.
Check out the final update for the 2025 Nebraska legislative session for more information the bills we were following.
Check out the final update for the 2025 Nebraska legislative session for more information the bills we were following.
Prairie Beacon – First Session of the 109th Legislature adjourns
The 2025 Nebraska legislative session adjourned Monday, ending on Day 89 of the 90-day session. According to Speaker John Arch, lawmakers passed 204 bills, with another 113 bills incorporated as amend...
www.cfra.org
June 6, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The 2025 Nebraska legislative session adjourned Monday, ending on Day 89 of the 90-day session. Lawmakers passed 204 bills, with another 113 bills incorporated as amendments.
Check out the final update for the 2025 Nebraska legislative session for more information the bills we were following.
Check out the final update for the 2025 Nebraska legislative session for more information the bills we were following.
Renewable energy projects have helped rural economies by creating jobs and generating new tax revenues, but tariffs and policy uncertainty are creating roadblocks.
Without continued investment in renewable energy projects, many communities will not be able to unlock those economic benefits.
Without continued investment in renewable energy projects, many communities will not be able to unlock those economic benefits.
Tariffs threaten renewable energy development and rural economies
Despite record-high wind and solar generation, the U.S. renewable energy sector faces uncertainty. Tariffs and potential repeals of federal funding are creating roadblocks to the further buildout of e...
www.cfra.org
June 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Renewable energy projects have helped rural economies by creating jobs and generating new tax revenues, but tariffs and policy uncertainty are creating roadblocks.
Without continued investment in renewable energy projects, many communities will not be able to unlock those economic benefits.
Without continued investment in renewable energy projects, many communities will not be able to unlock those economic benefits.
When rural communities face issues with water system contamination, people can be left with questions and concerns about the quality and safety of their drinking water. Fortunately for Nebraskans, a resource is just a phone call away: the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE).
Rural communities: Here are resources that may help with water quality concerns
Many rural communities in Nebraska will encounter issues with water system contamination at some point. When this happens, community leaders and residents will likely be left with questions and concer...
www.cfra.org
May 30, 2025 at 2:01 PM
When rural communities face issues with water system contamination, people can be left with questions and concerns about the quality and safety of their drinking water. Fortunately for Nebraskans, a resource is just a phone call away: the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE).
Legislators adjourned for the final time of the 2025 Iowa legislative session on the morning of Thursday, May 15. For bills passed by both the House and the Senate, the governor has until June 15 to sign or veto.
Field Notes – 2025 Iowa legislative session concludes
Legislators adjourned for the final time of the 2025 Iowa legislative session on the morning of Thursday, May 15. For bills passed by both the House and the Senate, the governor has until June 15 to s...
www.cfra.org
May 27, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Legislators adjourned for the final time of the 2025 Iowa legislative session on the morning of Thursday, May 15. For bills passed by both the House and the Senate, the governor has until June 15 to sign or veto.
Sikowis Nobiss’ (Nêhiyaw/Saulteaux) efforts in the environmental justice realm have earned her the 2024 Environmental Leader Award. Meet Sikowis on our blog. www.cfra.org/blog/founder...
Founder of Great Plains Action Society gets Environmental Leader Award
Sikowis Nobiss (Nêhiyaw/Saulteaux) loves her people and has an innate love for the land, especially the prairie. However, she sees a lot of injustice in the world.She is taking a stand against environ...
www.cfra.org
May 21, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Sikowis Nobiss’ (Nêhiyaw/Saulteaux) efforts in the environmental justice realm have earned her the 2024 Environmental Leader Award. Meet Sikowis on our blog. www.cfra.org/blog/founder...
Federal cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services are putting vital library and museum programs at risk, especially in rural states. Without this funding, many libraries may face cuts or even closure, leaving rural communities without access to key educational and cultural resources.
Federal cuts threaten vital library and museum services in rural America
Recent federal actions have placed a critical source of funding for public libraries and museums in jeopardy. Within weeks following an executive order from President Trump, the federal Institute of M...
www.cfra.org
May 16, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Federal cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services are putting vital library and museum programs at risk, especially in rural states. Without this funding, many libraries may face cuts or even closure, leaving rural communities without access to key educational and cultural resources.
Budget differences have delayed progress but spurred negotiations thus far in the 2025 Iowa legislative session. Last week, it was announced that the Senate and House of Representatives agreed on a FY26 budget. Read more in our update.
Field Notes – Legislative session overtime, budget agreements
Budget differences have delayed progress but spurred negotiations thus far in the 2025 Iowa legislative session. Last week, it was announced that the Senate and House of Representatives agreed on a FY...
www.cfra.org
May 13, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Budget differences have delayed progress but spurred negotiations thus far in the 2025 Iowa legislative session. Last week, it was announced that the Senate and House of Representatives agreed on a FY26 budget. Read more in our update.
Legislators will receive their final per diem stipends for their time spent in Des Moines this Friday, May 2. However, it is unlikely they will adjourn because they have not yet passed a 2026 fiscal year budget, or the property tax bill, which is a priority this year. #ialeg #iowa
Field Notes – Budget negotiations, rural grocery, and local foods bill passed Iowa House
Legislators will receive their final per diem stipends for their time spent in Des Moines this Friday, May 2. However, it is unlikely they will adjourn for the final time this week because they have n...
www.cfra.org
April 29, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Voice Matters! As legislators return to Washington, D.C., this week, now is an opportune time to reinforce the messages and concerns shared during their time back home. Ensure your voice resonates in the halls of Congress. Follow up and keep the conversation alive.
From your hometown to Capitol Hill: Your voice matters
Recent federal funding cuts and freezes are harming small businesses, farmers, individuals, and communities nationwide. Programs that have been instrumental in supporting economic development, job cre...
www.cfra.org
April 28, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Voice Matters! As legislators return to Washington, D.C., this week, now is an opportune time to reinforce the messages and concerns shared during their time back home. Ensure your voice resonates in the halls of Congress. Follow up and keep the conversation alive.
The remaining days of the current Nebraska legislative session, tentatively scheduled to adjourn on June 9, will be dedicated to closing the outstanding $289 million budget shortfall.
Prairie Beacon – Budget remains highest priority this session
The remaining days of the current Nebraska legislative session, tentatively scheduled to adjourn on June 9, will be dedicated to closing the outstanding $289 million budget shortfall. The Appropriatio...
www.cfra.org
April 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
The remaining days of the current Nebraska legislative session, tentatively scheduled to adjourn on June 9, will be dedicated to closing the outstanding $289 million budget shortfall.
Today ends Week 15 of Minnesota’s legislative session. Legislators are back from break and have less than a month to put together a biennial state budget by the constitutional deadline of May 19.
Minnesota Memo – Key climate legislation targeted in Senate omnibus bill
Today ends Week 15 of Minnesota’s legislative session. Legislators are back from break and have less than a month to put together a biennial state budget by the constitutional deadline of May 19.This ...
www.cfra.org
April 25, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Today ends Week 15 of Minnesota’s legislative session. Legislators are back from break and have less than a month to put together a biennial state budget by the constitutional deadline of May 19.
Disruptions in federal funding are causing uncertainty and frustration for one small farm near Duluth, Minnesota.
Food Farm, a second generation certified organic farm in small-town Wrenshall, Minnesota, is unsure if they will see the $220,000 they were awarded as the funding status fluxes.
Food Farm, a second generation certified organic farm in small-town Wrenshall, Minnesota, is unsure if they will see the $220,000 they were awarded as the funding status fluxes.
Organic farm in northern Minnesota faces uncertainty with USDA funds
Disruptions in federal funding are causing uncertainty and frustration for one small farm near Duluth, Minnesota.Food Farm, a second generation certified organic farm near Wrenshall, Minnesota, is uns...
www.cfra.org
April 22, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Disruptions in federal funding are causing uncertainty and frustration for one small farm near Duluth, Minnesota.
Food Farm, a second generation certified organic farm in small-town Wrenshall, Minnesota, is unsure if they will see the $220,000 they were awarded as the funding status fluxes.
Food Farm, a second generation certified organic farm in small-town Wrenshall, Minnesota, is unsure if they will see the $220,000 they were awarded as the funding status fluxes.
The sudden termination of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools programs is taking a toll on Nebraska farms, schools, and food banks.
Local farms, local losses: how USDA cuts are hurting communities
The recent termination of the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement Programs by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has significantly impac...
www.cfra.org
April 17, 2025 at 1:46 PM
The sudden termination of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools programs is taking a toll on Nebraska farms, schools, and food banks.
We are on the downhill slide toward the end of the Iowa legislative session, as Week 14 is underway. Legislators are working to wrap up by Friday, May 2, the date they receive their last stipend.
Field Notes – Rural grocery, local foods bill needs appropriated funds
We are on the downhill slide toward the end of the Iowa legislative session, as Week 14 is underway. Legislators are working to wrap up by Friday, May 2, the date they receive their last stipend of th...
www.cfra.org
April 15, 2025 at 1:46 PM
We are on the downhill slide toward the end of the Iowa legislative session, as Week 14 is underway. Legislators are working to wrap up by Friday, May 2, the date they receive their last stipend.
Today marks day 60 of the 90-day session, and senators still have plenty of work to accomplish before the Legislature is scheduled to adjourn in early June. Beginning April 22, debate may go into the evening hours with much of the focus on priority bills and finalizing the biennium budget.
Prairie Beacon – SNAP legislation advanced
Last week, Legislative Bill (LB) 192, introduced by Sen. Dan Quick, advanced past the first round of debate with 33 votes. LB 192 maintains the current income eligibility for the Supplemental Nutritio...
www.cfra.org
April 11, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Today marks day 60 of the 90-day session, and senators still have plenty of work to accomplish before the Legislature is scheduled to adjourn in early June. Beginning April 22, debate may go into the evening hours with much of the focus on priority bills and finalizing the biennium budget.
Today ends Week 13 of Minnesota’s legislative session, marking the third and final deadline for committees to take action on bills. Both chambers will recess for the Easter/Passover break, returning April 21.
Minnesota Memo – House and Senate budget targets released
Today ends Week 13 of Minnesota’s legislative session, marking the third and final deadline for committees to take action on bills. Both chambers will recess for the Easter/Passover break, returning A...
www.cfra.org
April 11, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Today ends Week 13 of Minnesota’s legislative session, marking the third and final deadline for committees to take action on bills. Both chambers will recess for the Easter/Passover break, returning April 21.
Stay informed with our enewsletter.
For 51 years, we've been standing up for the family farmer and rancher, small business owner, and rural communities. As long as rural advocates are needed, we'll be in the front lines, building a bright rural future.
For 51 years, we've been standing up for the family farmer and rancher, small business owner, and rural communities. As long as rural advocates are needed, we'll be in the front lines, building a bright rural future.
Center for Rural Affairs Newsletter
Do you care about the future of rural America? Sign up to receive the latest news from the Center for Rural Affairs. Support rural lifestyles, small business owners, beginning farmers and ranchers, su...
secure.everyaction.com
April 7, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Stay informed with our enewsletter.
For 51 years, we've been standing up for the family farmer and rancher, small business owner, and rural communities. As long as rural advocates are needed, we'll be in the front lines, building a bright rural future.
For 51 years, we've been standing up for the family farmer and rancher, small business owner, and rural communities. As long as rural advocates are needed, we'll be in the front lines, building a bright rural future.
Cattle voltaics—a dual-use solar approach—integrates cattle grazing with solar panels. This approach boosts land productivity, improves soil health, and provides farmers with new income streams—all while supporting solar energy generation. Learn more in our new fact sheet.
New Center for Rural Affairs fact sheet provides resources for cattle voltaics
LYONS, NEBRASKA — As solar energy expands across agricultural land, dual-use solar is emerging as a practice to optimize land use. A dual-use solar approach known as cattle voltaics integrates cattle ...
www.cfra.org
April 7, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Cattle voltaics—a dual-use solar approach—integrates cattle grazing with solar panels. This approach boosts land productivity, improves soil health, and provides farmers with new income streams—all while supporting solar energy generation. Learn more in our new fact sheet.
Communities in select areas of the U.S. have an opportunity to apply for the Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, designed to fund local environmental and public health initiatives.
Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program lowers barriers with easier grant application, but its future remains uncertain
A grant program to empower underserved communities is offering a unique opportunity to fund local environmental and public health initiatives.“Communities throughout Nebraska are considering this fund...
www.cfra.org
April 2, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Communities in select areas of the U.S. have an opportunity to apply for the Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, designed to fund local environmental and public health initiatives.
We are already in Week 12 of the Iowa legislative session, and legislators have spent hours debating bills in recent weeks. The second funnel deadline is this Friday, when bills focused solely on policy must pass through one chamber and out of a committee in the opposite chamber to remain alive.
Field Notes – Rural grocery and local foods bill further considered by Iowa House subcommittee
We are already in Week 12 of the Iowa legislative session, and legislators have spent hours debating bills in recent weeks.The second funnel deadline is this Friday, April 4, when bills focused solely...
www.cfra.org
April 1, 2025 at 1:57 PM
We are already in Week 12 of the Iowa legislative session, and legislators have spent hours debating bills in recent weeks. The second funnel deadline is this Friday, when bills focused solely on policy must pass through one chamber and out of a committee in the opposite chamber to remain alive.
Business in the legislature has been progressing steadily, with mostly noncontroversial bills advancing. Today marked the end of public hearings for this year’s introduced legislation, with full-day debates beginning next Monday.
Prairie Beacon – Public hearings conclude, full-day debate to begin
Business in the legislature has been progressing steadily, with mostly noncontroversial bills advancing. Today marked the end of public hearings for this year’s introduced legislation, with full-day d...
www.cfra.org
March 28, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Business in the legislature has been progressing steadily, with mostly noncontroversial bills advancing. Today marked the end of public hearings for this year’s introduced legislation, with full-day debates beginning next Monday.
Today ends week eleven of Minnesota’s legislative session.
Passing a state budget is the top priority for the remainder of the session, which is set to end on May 19. The deadline to pass a budget is July 1, or government services are at risk of being shut down.
Passing a state budget is the top priority for the remainder of the session, which is set to end on May 19. The deadline to pass a budget is July 1, or government services are at risk of being shut down.
Minnesota Memo - Governor's revised two-year budget plan proposes more cuts
Today ends week eleven of Minnesota’s legislative session.Passing a state budget is the top priority for the remainder of the session, which is set to end on May 19. The deadline to pass a budget is J...
www.cfra.org
March 28, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Today ends week eleven of Minnesota’s legislative session.
Passing a state budget is the top priority for the remainder of the session, which is set to end on May 19. The deadline to pass a budget is July 1, or government services are at risk of being shut down.
Passing a state budget is the top priority for the remainder of the session, which is set to end on May 19. The deadline to pass a budget is July 1, or government services are at risk of being shut down.