Today, a familiar but new administration is being sworn into office. The change in the presidency and shift of power in Congress have the potential to profoundly impact rural America. #InaugurationDay

The targeted investments of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have real-world impacts that are hard to ignore. Since its passage, the #IRA has been quietly bringing tangible benefits to Nebraska’s farms, public schools, small businesses, and families.

RT @UAFcfos: Congrats to @tamamtaUAF fellow Natasha Hayden, the winner of a @cfra Environmental Leadership Award! Natasha was honored for h….

RT @WaltonFamilyFdn: Congratulations to those across the country recognized by the third annual Environmental Leader Awards for their envir….

What topics will we watch closely during the upcoming Nebraska and Iowa state legislative sessions?. We anticipate legislation on rural food access, budget & taxes, agriculture & conservation, energy & environment, and community well-being.

On Friday, Congress passed a legislation that included a second extension of the farm bill. The bill extends the 2018 farm bill through Sept. 30, 2025.

The success and longevity of the Shenandoah Food Pantry comes back to: Care about your neighbors and treat everyone with dignity. A generous community and strong volunteer support doesn’t hurt, either. Recently, they applied for a mini-grant to buy honey.

Having grown up around conventional agriculture, Riley Reinke never expected to end up as a regenerative specialty crop farmer. He’s taking that to the next level with knowledge he’s gained through the Beginning Farmer Conservation Fellowship.

Southwest Iowa friends: Are you interested in the Grocery Business Transition Program, an online microcredential program offered by Kansas State University? Apply for funding for the next session that begins in January. Get more details on our blog.

While focusing on inclusion in her work, Audrey Lutz Musilek was introduced to the Center for Rural Affairs. She met like-minded Nebraskans who loved rural America, and she knew she wanted to be a bigger part of the organization.

For almost 50 years, Denise O’Brien and Larry Harris have worked to preserve and improve the soil health on their farm and fight for thriving rural life for future generations. They received our 2023 Seventh Generation Award on Nov. 8.

With less than a month to go, you can multiply your impact in small town America. Gifts from repeat donors are currently being doubled, and gifts from first-time donors are being tripled. Donate today. Gifts must be made by Dec. 31 to be multiplied.

Mike Wutulski may not be a farmer, but he has found creative ways to maintain the legacy of his family’s farm through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) as well as the CRP–Transition Incentives Program (CRP-TIP). Find out more. #CRP #CRPTIP #USDA

Five farmers markets in NE or IA will be chosen to receive resources and one-on-one counseling during 2025. Apply by Feb. 28, 2025.

Starting a small business is a rewarding journey, but it takes time, effort, and often means taking out a loan. Let’s explore why you might consider applying for a loan, what to have in place before doing so, and how we can support you.

With the November election in the rearview mirror, Congress is looking ahead to 2025. However, before they adjourn on Dec. 20, in addition to funding the federal government, lawmakers must pass either a new farm bill or another farm bill extension.

A farmer in Lone Tree, Iowa, has developed a new way to recycle and reuse discarded wind turbine blades by taking the most difficult part to shred and repurposing it for fence posts.

Do you consider yourself an environmental justice leader? Make a real impact in your community through film. @workingfilms has opened its Rural Cinema program application, deadline is Jan. 23. Join their upcoming webinar on Dec. 12.

Some of Laura Simpson’s fondest memories are of spending her summers as a child playing barefoot in the shade of tomato, eggplant & pepper plants in her family’s garden. Her work at @OmahaSprouts led her to our Beginning Farmer Conservation Fellowship.

In April, we announced a $62 million EPA Solar for All grant. We will focus on ensuring low-income & historically disadvantaged households in NE have equitable access to solar power & the means to become owners of solar energy production. What's next?