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 to Implement Regulatory Reforms to Increase Access to Capital in Rural Areas
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 “At USDA, we know that for many rural communities the regulations that govern our programs can be outdated and difficult to …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 Mainstreet Index Rises
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 …
Rural Prosperity Still as Important as Ever
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 …
Rural Mainstreet Index Declines
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 …
Ag and Rural Prosperity Report Given; Ag Groups Respond
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 …
Perdue Wants to Improve Rural Conditions
During his visit to Tifton, Georgia last week, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue talked about efforts to improve conditions in rural areas. Tyron Spearman was there and has the story. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024
Secretary Perdue to Attend House Ag Committee Hearing on Rural Economy
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 …