Center for Rural Affairs

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

05/22/2026

Join a number of housing experts from across the Midwest for a half-day conference on affordable housing in Nebraska.

Online + free on Thursday, June 11, 9:30 a.m. to noon CT. https://web.cvent.com/event/57565001-dd53-42c7-9462-5fc81b93fed2/register

05/22/2026

We want to hear from you: farmers, ranchers, and landowners on barriers, perceptions, and market impacts of federal programs.

Your input will assist our advocacy efforts, making sure agriculture, conservation, and energy programs and policies reflect the real-world needs and priorities of producers.

Please respond by Friday, June 26, 2026.

Farmers, ranchers, and landowners are invited to participate in a new survey exploring how federal program and policy changes are affecting their operations.Since early 2025, the federal administration has made changes to agriculture, conservation, and energy programs and policies, including program...

05/21/2026

Your final bi-weekly Minnesota legislative update:

Legislators wrapped up session during the late hours on May 17. A narrowly divided legislature proved difficult to come to bipartisan agreement on several legislative proposals. Despite that, legislators were able to pass a $1.24 billion capital investment bill, which was a high priority among legislative leaders this session. A summary of legislation the Center closely monitored this session is included in this update.

Learn more on our website. Link in comments.

05/19/2026

The latest edition of our Small Business News is now available and in mailboxes. 📬

Learn tips on:
🟥 Separating personal and business finances
🟥 Understanding Profit and Loss statements

And, read about a new business owner who learns from the Center’s Childcare Accelerator Award Program. 👶

Read it at the link in the comments.👇

05/19/2026

“We've been open for five years, and we didn’t have any farmers and producers or employees when we started, but we’ve grown. The Center has been one of our great partners, especially getting started. We’ve come a long way over the years.” –Tony Ellsworth

Waterloo, Nebraska, business owners Tony and Amber Ellsworth of Ellsworth Crossing Farm to Fork Market were chosen to receive the Center’s 2025 Entrepreneur Award. This award recognizes entrepreneurs who have received Center services and achieved success in business while demonstrating the values of innovation, community leadership, and social responsibility.

Read our blog to find out about their passion for taking a holistic approach to eating, health, and overall well-being, and how they strive to share what they’ve learned with their customers.
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“Hemos estado abiertos por cinco años, y cuando comenzamos no teníamos agricultores, productores ni empleados, pero hemos crecido. El Center ha sido uno de nuestros grandes aliados, especialmente al inicio. Hemos avanzado muchísimo con los años.” – Tony Ellsworth

Los empresarios Tony y Amber Ellsworth,de Waterloo, Nebraska, fueron seleccionados para recibir el Premio al Emprendedor 2025 del Centro. Este reconocimiento reconoce a los emprendedores que han recibido los servicios del Centro y han alcanzado el éxito empresarial, al tiempo que demuestran valores como la innovación, el liderazgo comunitario y la responsabilidad social.

Lea nuestro blog para descubrir más sobre su pasión por adoptar un enfoque holístico respecto a la alimentación, la salud y el bienestar integral, y cómo se esfuerzan por compartir lo que han aprendido con sus clientes.

05/14/2026

Rural grocery is more complex, and more essential, than it often appears.

Last month, we hosted a tour that visited three stores + a farm. Store owners, managers, and community members talked honestly about what it takes to keep these businesses going.

Lessons learned:
1. Ownership models matter.
2. Workforce is important.

Click the link below 👇 to find out 3 more lessons, see photos from the day, and to read more about these different models.

05/13/2026

When Shawn and Allison Schroyer decided to expand their mobile glass replacement business, Schroyer's Mobile Flat Glass LLC, they turned to the Center for Rural Affairs for help. Gathering some paperwork and meeting with their loan specialist, Khushi Steichen, was all it took for them to get the funding they needed. Here’s how Shawn described the process:

“I reached out through the Center’s website, and a representative contacted me to set up a meeting. They provided a clear list of required documents beforehand. After submitting the documentation, it was reviewed by the committee and we were approved within a few weeks. The process has been smooth and efficient. Khushi has been an incredibly helpful and kind partner throughout. She made the entire process a positive experience.”

Read our blog to learn more about their experience with the Center, and how the loan has boosted their services in south central Nebraska and beyond.

05/12/2026

Agrivoltaics is generating increased interest as farmers, landowners, and rural communities explore how solar development can work alongside agriculture instead of competing with it.

Our latest piece highlights the Center’s webinar resources on dual-use solar, producer perspectives, and practical examples of how solar and working lands can coexist.