Center for Rural Affairs

06/18/2026

Your voice helps shape our work.

At the Center for Rural Affairs, we’re always looking for ways to better connect with our supporters, share our impact, and work together toward a stronger rural future.

That’s why we’re asking friends and supporters to take a brief survey and share their thoughts with us.

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete, and your feedback will help guide our communications and future efforts.

Take the survey by July 1:
🔗 cfra.org/survey2026

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Su voz ayuda a dar forma a nuestro trabajo.

En el Center for Rural Affairs, buscamos constantemente maneras de conectar mejor con nuestros seguidores, compartir nuestro impacto y trabajar juntos por un futuro rural más fuerte.

Por eso, invitamos a nuestros amigos y seguidores a completar una breve encuesta y compartir sus opiniones con nosotros.

La encuesta solo toma unos minutos y sus comentarios nos ayudarán a mejorar nuestras comunicaciones y futuras iniciativas.

Complete la encuesta antes del 1 de julio:

🔗 cfra.org/encuesta2026

06/11/2026

Strong communities need housing opportunities that meet local needs.

We’re proud to partner with the Madison, NE Community Redevelopment Authority-CRA on a workforce housing project that will utilize Rural Workforce Housing Funds to support the development of quality housing in Madison.

Investments like these help communities grow by making it easier for individuals and families to live, work, and put down roots locally.

MADISON — The City of Madison Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) is advancing a significant housing development project aimed at expanding workforce housing opportunities and supporting long-term community growth.

06/11/2026

Housing solutions start with strong partnerships. Join the Center for Rural Affairs and South Central Economic Development District, Inc. next week as we discuss resources and opportunities to support housing development across Greater Nebraska.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MwY-nzXnSP6ILrjxQVFcTQ #/registration

Join us Thursday, June 18th, for our HomeNE webinar featuring Brian Depew and Andi McClintic.

www.scedd.us

06/09/2026

Congratulations to Al Davis, recipient of the Center for Rural Affairs’ 2025 Seventh Generation Award!

For more than 50 years, Al has dedicated his time, energy, and voice to strengthening rural America. As a rancher, Nebraska legislator, conservation advocate, and longtime supporter of the Center, he has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for rural communities while protecting the land and resources that sustain them.

We were thrilled and proud to recognize his lifelong contributions to rural people and places and his belief in a stronger future at an event with him last month in Lincoln.

“It was just a real honor to be here among so many friends and so many people that believe in the same things we all believe in. Onward and upward!” – Al Davis

Join us in celebrating Al and the lasting impact he has made. Read his story below.

06/08/2026

As solar energy continues to grow, many rural communities are asking: Can farmland support both agriculture and renewable energy?

A new fact sheet from the Center for Rural Affairs explores how land use tax policy can encourage agrisolar practices. This allows land to remain in agricultural use while supporting solar development.

“Thoughtful tax policy can encourage agrisolar approaches that strengthen farm viability, support energy needs, and keep land in agricultural use.” — Laura Priest, Center for Rural Affairs, policy associate.

Read the fact sheet to learn more.

06/04/2026

Ben Jewell envisions a future where Nebraska schools and other institutions could source 50% or more of their food locally. This would keep millions of dollars in the state economy and also provide fresher, healthier food to students and communities.

This type of thinking, along with years of hard work, led to Ben receiving this year’s Partner Award from the Center for Rural Affairs.

“Schools and farmers are both very busy and have a lot going on. They often don’t have time for some of the slower, relationship-building type of work, so that’s the role I try to play. I help facilitate those connections and help them understand where each side is coming from.” – Ben Jewell

Read our blog to learn about Ben’s contributions to strengthening local and regional food systems in Nebraska.

06/03/2026

Keeping energy costs affordable is a challenge many rural communities know all too well. Often while relying on aging or insufficient infrastructure.

The Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership (C-MAP) is offering funding and technical assistance to help eligible communities strengthen local energy systems, improve electricity reliability, and prepare for future needs.

Applications are due July 2.

Learn more about the opportunity and see if your community may qualify at the link in the comments.

06/01/2026

“Auctions generally go to the highest bidder. So oftentimes, the operations that are able to pay the most in those auctions are the biggest.” – Kalee Olson, Center for Rural Affairs

As Nebraska farmers retire and farmland changes hands, what does that mean for conservation?

In a recent Nebraska Public Media News story, Center for Rural Affairs policy associate Kalee Olson discusses how farm transitions can impact soil health, conservation practices, and opportunities for the next generation of producers.

Read the article to learn why who farms the land next matters for Nebraska’s future.

If corporate ag continues to buy up Nebraska acres, the state's ground could suffer.

05/28/2026

After years of watching heavy rains wash valuable soil off his Platte County fields, Greg Keller began changing the way he farmed. More than 25 years later, his regenerative system—including no-till, cover crops, and a custom twin-tow rye system—is producing 300+ bushel/acre corn yields while improving soil health and reducing input costs.

Now, Greg is sharing what he’s learned as a mentor in the Nebraska Conservation Mentorship Network, helping other producers explore conservation practices through peer-to-peer support and real-world experience.

“The first year is the hardest, but the long-term rewards are a no-brainer for the next generation of Nebraska farmers.” –Greg.

Learn more about Greg’s story in the link in the comments.

05/27/2026

Huda Hirsi has long dreamed of living in a safe place and working to support her loved ones. With sponsorship from her sister, Huda and her family were able to come to the U.S. from Somalia in 2007. Through determination and dedication, Huda obtained her child care license and started an in-home day care.

Recently, she participated in a Childcare Accelerator Award Program presented by the Center for Rural Affairs Women’s Business Center (WBC), Stearns Bank, and the Association of Women's Business Centers.

Because of the program, Huda can properly organize her business finances, and she’s been able to save money to invest in her day care. The program also offered participants a stipend to use on their business.

“I learned a lot and it helped me to understand finances and how to get my certificates. After learning on my computer how to plan, I can have a little bit [of money] to help in my business. I am very happy about that. Now, [I have] confidence, and I am ready for everything! ” –Huda Hirsi