Center for Rural Affairs

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Center for Rural Affairs The Center for Rural Affairs works to strengthen rural communities, small businesses, & family farms. Citizen INVOLVEMENT and ACTION to shape the future.

Since its inception, the Center has resisted the role of advocating for the interests of any particular group. Instead, we have chosen to advance a set of values - values that reflect the best of Rural America. Ultimately, we believe it is in the interest of all to create a future reflecting those values. We value:
RESPONSIBILITY placed upon each of us to contribute to our community and society. CONSCIENCE that balances self-interest with an obligation to the common good and future generations. PROGRESS that strengthens rural communities, small businesses, and family farms and ranches. Genuine OPPORTUNITY for all to earn a living, raise a family, and prosper in a rural place. Widespread OWNERSHIP and CONTROL of small businesses, farms, and ranches by those who work them. FAIRNESS that allows all who contribute to the nation's prosperity to share in it. STEWARDSHIP of the natural environment upon which all of us - current and future generations - rely.

Are you passionate about local food and connecting with your community? If so, you won’t want to miss the fourth annual ...
10/14/2026

Are you passionate about local food and connecting with your community? If so, you won’t want to miss the fourth annual Southwest Iowa Local Foods Summit on Friday, Nov. 6 in Glenwood, Iowa!

At this free, one-day, you’ll have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals, discover new resources, and maybe even learn something new!

You’ll also hear from featured presenters Jodi Reese and Denise O’Briel, two founders of the Nishnabotna Water Defenders , a group working hard to protect and preserve their local watershed through education and advocacy.

This event is completely free, so don’t forget to register by Oct. 30. We can’t wait to see you there!

Registration link in the comments.

10/12/2026

Today is National Farmers Day. In recognition of all of the hardworking farmers that keep our communities thriving, we asked Center staff the question, “What do you admire most about farmers?”.

Hear what Wyatt and Kylie had to say, and share what you most admire about farmers in the comments below! 🧑‍🌾🌽🚜

10/12/2026
October marks the beginning of Farm to School month! That means that thousands of schools, early care and education site...
10/09/2026

October marks the beginning of Farm to School month! That means that thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities, and organizations are celebrating with school gardens, farm field trips, and local food on cafeteria trays.

You can celebrate, too!

Join the Center in appreciating the dedication of teachers and school staff. You can also participate in a school or community garden planting or clean-up day, or advocate for policies that support farm to school efforts in your community. 🏫🌱🎒🧑‍🌾📚

Interested in expanding your farm into wholesale markets? Join us for a free webinar to learn everything you need to kno...
10/07/2026

Interested in expanding your farm into wholesale markets? Join us for a free webinar to learn everything you need to know to grow for wholesale.

Ariel Pressman, with Whole Farm Strategies, will cover the economics of wholesale farms, infrastructure and equipment, and crop and variety selection.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free

Registration is required by Oct. 7. We hope to see you there!

For small business owners, personal and business finances are often closely connected. Nonetheless, building up savings ...
10/06/2026

For small business owners, personal and business finances are often closely connected. Nonetheless, building up savings for both are important.

How do you strengthen your personal and business savings? Read our blog to discover 9 tips and tricks to help build a strong and sturdy financial foundation. Link in comments!

What is energy sovereignty? Robert (Bob) Blake, a member of Red Lake Nation, sees a future in which Tribal communities p...
10/05/2026

What is energy sovereignty?

Robert (Bob) Blake, a member of Red Lake Nation, sees a future in which Tribal communities produce their own energy and set their own rates so that people can afford to survive and thrive in the future.

Read more about Bob’s work on solar development in Minnesota and how Tribal Nations are leading on renewable energy in the comments below!

Check out our latest newsletter. In this fall issue:📌 Women’s Business Center celebrates 25 years of supporting small bu...
10/05/2026

Check out our latest newsletter. In this fall issue:

📌 Women’s Business Center celebrates 25 years of supporting small business owners
📌 Investment in housing development boosts rural communities
📌 Cairo Farmers Market is ‘the best of everything that a small town has to offer’
📌 Rooted in the river: Adam Sears brings a watershed-wide vision to Clear Lake and the Winnebago River
📌 A seed of hope: getting the conditions right for agrisolar
📌 Meet Center supporter Jason Ellingson
📌 How to identify new and emerging leaders

Read more at the link in the comments.

September’s Rural Reflection 🌾Jillian Linster, the Center’s Chief of Programs, and her husband uncovered an old metal wh...
09/30/2026

September’s Rural Reflection 🌾

Jillian Linster, the Center’s Chief of Programs, and her husband uncovered an old metal wheel that had become tightly bound to the ground back in 2023. While seemingly insignificant, it’s a friendly reminder that individual roots may seem fragile on their own, but together, they become a mighty force.

Reflect with us and read the full story in the comments!

Tracy Zink’s father was adamant that fence rows should never be tilled or sprayed so that birds would always have a safe...
09/29/2026

Tracy Zink’s father was adamant that fence rows should never be tilled or sprayed so that birds would always have a safe place to nest on her family’s third generation farm.

These and many more lessons have stayed with Tracy as she continues to find ways to invest in the soil in the semi-arid climate of Red Willow County, Nebraska. Today, as a mentor with the Nebraska Conservation Mentorship Network, she’s helping other producers do the same!

Continue reading about Tracy’s journey in the comments below!

Address

145 Main Street , PO Box 136
Lyons, NE
68038

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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