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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Rural communities across the U.S. are facing major disruptions due to recent federal actions impacting USDA county offices. Staffing cuts and funding uncertainties have put vital programs at risk, impacting farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and homeowners.
Nebraskans spend more than $5 billion per year on food sourced from outside the state. This loss of economic potential is driving a growing interest in locally produced food. Our updated Nebraska Farm & Food Economy report highlights opportunities and challenges facing farmers.
The Lower Platte North NRD protects Nebraska’s land & water through flood control, water quality, & conservation. Federal funding makes major projects possible, from restoring Wahoo Creek to improving Shell Creek.
