farm bureau

Farm Bureau: USDA Broadband Program Will Boost Rural Economy

Dan Economy, Industry News Release, Technology

The following statement regarding the Agriculture Department’s ReConnect broadband program can be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “The Agriculture Department’s latest effort to boost broadband services in rural America could not come at a better time. Rural broadband is essential to modern agriculture, the farmers and ranchers who grow our food and to the quality of …

usda

USDA to Implement Regulatory Reforms to Increase Access to Capital in Rural Areas

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced that USDA is hosting listening sessions to solicit feedback on a plan to increase access to capital in rural areas by streamlining regulations for four Rural Development loan guarantee programs. “At USDA, we know that for many rural communities the regulations that govern our programs can be outdated and difficult to …

rural

Rural Mainstreet Index Rises

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

The Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above growth neutral this month. The monthly survey of bank CEO’s in ten Midwestern states climbed to 54.8 from 53.8 in July. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with 50.0 representing growth neutral. Organizer Ernie Goss of Creighton University says the survey shows expansion of the economy outside of agriculture, but adds “the negative …

georgia

Rural Prosperity Still as Important as Ever

Dan Georgia, Industry News Release

Across America, more sincere attention is being focused on rural development and prosperity than at any other time I, or anyone I know, can remember. The Trump Administration is taking steps with infrastructure and USDA programming to nurture future greatness across the entirety of the fruited plain. I salute the President’s efforts. However, initiatives like this require extensive research and …

health

Rural Mainstreet Index Declines

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index declined slightly in January from December’s weak reading, remaining below growth neutral. However, organizers say the monthly survey of rural bank CEO’s in the Midwest is significantly higher than the reading for January 2017. The index, like all indices in the survey, ranges between zero and 100 with 50 representing growth neutral, fell to …

rural prosperity

Ag and Rural Prosperity Report Given; Ag Groups Respond

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

The following is a statement from American Seed Trade Association President & CEO Andrew W. LaVigne: “We’re pleased that the Trump Administration recognizes the critical importance of U.S. agriculture and the rural economy. Under the strong leadership of Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, the Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Task Force is taking positive steps to identify and address some of the …

weaker

Secretary Perdue to Attend House Ag Committee Hearing on Rural Economy

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue will take part in a House Agriculture Committee hearing next week on the rural economy. The House Agriculture Committee will hold the hearing next Wednesday, May 17th. The hearing seeks testimony on how the rural and farm economy is holding up amid a downturn in farm income and commodity prices. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway …