Center for Rural Affairs Mega-Feed

Climate Change Demands Our Leadership

Sat, 05 May 2012 19:36:00 +0000

Everyone is talking about the weather this spring. My apple trees were in full bloom before the end of March when temperatures hit 90 degrees. Two weeks later, the forecast low was for 27 degrees. If it dips to 25 degrees, I can expect 90 percent fruit loss.

A year ago, unexpected rain flooded thousands of acres of farmland along the Missouri river, and forced the closure of a key bridge between Nebraska and Iowa just 10 miles from my house.

A mix of factors contributes to every weather event, and early research indicates climate change was only one factor in the warm temperatures this spring. Taken together, these experiences are painting a picture of the sort of challenges we can expect to face as climate change intensifies.

The risk to our communities, and to agriculture in particular, is significant. Farmers we know can lose entire crops to spring freezes or summer floods. When they do, the political objection to acting on climate change seems dimmer in comparison.

Our communities and our farms are on the line.

There is a great moral risk in continuing to treat climate change as a political issue. Out of respect for future generations, we must choose to set politics aside and take reasonable action.

Leaving our natural resource for the next generation, at least as well as we found them, is a guiding value of the Center for Rural Affairs and of our supporters.

That is why it is time for farmers and rural people of conscience to step forward and lead.

We know some farmers are already concerned. And a recent poll of farmers in Iowa found that 68% believe climate change is real, and 45% believe human activity is a contributing factor.

In next month’s newsletter, we will run a feature on climate change, the challenges facing our communities, and actions we can take. In early summer, we will issue a major new report on carbon, climate, and agriculture.

This follows a 2002 report issued by a bipartisan Center for Rural Affairs task force outlining the climate change challenges for agriculture and giving policy recommendations.

We know it won’t always be easy. But the issue demands our leadership. We must not allow political division to stand in the way of protecting our children and grandchildren from the risk of a changing climate.

We want to hear from you too. What are people in your community saying about climate change? Are you willing to be a rural leader on the issue? Get in touch, and let us know.

Contact me – Brian Depew, at briand@cfra.org or 402.687.2100.

Is this the End of Coal?

Sat, 05 May 2012 19:32:36 +0000

The Environmental Protection Agency has released a draft rule to put tough limits on greenhouse gas emissions. It will require new coal-fired power plants to emit less than 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour. Today the average coal-fired power plant releases twice that amount.

This may be the end of coal’s reign as our primary source of power. The technology required to meet the new standards is cost prohibitive, effectively ending construction of new coal-fired power plants in the U.S.

Carbon capture and storage methods are costly and unproven. Until this process is refined it is virtually impossible for any new coal-fired power plant to generate electricity while meeting the new requirements.

Issued under the Clean Air Act’s New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) program, this marks the first time the agency has sought to limit carbon pollution from power plants. Both the EPA and the White House have gone to great lengths to emphasize the rule won’t apply to plants in operation or those under construction. It’s undeniable we’ve taken a big step toward protecting Americans from carbon pollution.

With this new rule the future of coal is becoming dimmer each day. Affordable natural gas supplies, sharp drops in wind and solar prices, the emergence of both efficiency and conservation programs, and a reduced demand for electricity have all worked to render new coal-fired power plants uneconomical.

Also at work is a growing public outcry, an acknowledgement that it’s time to look elsewhere for our electricity needs. A recent Gallup poll shows 70% of us support setting higher emissions and pollution standards. About 69% support spending more government money on developing renewables, while 65% support imposing mandatory controls on greenhouse gases.

Are we doing enough to make our voices heard? It’s up to us to communicate our opinions directly to those in charge. Our elected officials need to know where we stand. Managers of our utilities need to know where our priorities lie.

Nebraskans have a unique opportunity to do just that. In February’s newsletter we wrote about two new regulations that will apply to existing coal-fired power plants: the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule and the Mercury Air Toxics Standards.

The Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is considering an investment of $1.5 billion to upgrade two coal plants in hopes of meeting these new standards. Many supporters have taken this opportunity to make their opinions known, to tell NPPD that this money should instead be invested in renewable development, efficiency improvements, and our own communities.

These voices have led NPPD to host a series of open house events throughout the state. Look to http://www.nppd.com/behindtheoutlet for a location near you. Attendees will have a chance to participate, to learn, to ask tough questions, and to let NPPD know we’re ready for the end of coal.

Do you have questions? Send them my way– Johnathan Hladik, johnathanh@cfra.org or 402.687.2100.

Supporters Tell Congress to Listen Up

Sat, 05 May 2012 19:30:17 +0000

When was the last time you sat face to face with your members of Congress? Two Center supporters traveled to Washington to do just that. Their message – we need a Farm Bill that promotes the best rural America has to offer.

Kevin Raun, left, and Dennis Demmel, right, are two farmers and Center for Rural Affairs supporters that traveled to Washington. They advocated for a Farm Bill that will promote the assets of rural America. Photo by Steph Larsen.

Kevin Raun, a conventional farmer, and Dennis Demmel, an organic farmer, spoke with legislators and expressed several ideas.

1. Target farm payments, including crop insurance, to small and midsized family farmers.

If one farm covered the whole country, USDA would pay 60 percent of the insurance premiums on every acre! As the price of grain goes up, so do the subsidies for a farmer’s crop insurance.

In addition, loopholes in the limits to farm payments mean the nation’s largest farms are paid by the government even as they drive small farmers out of business.

Both these programs should be targeted to small and midsized farmers who need them most.

2. Use the savings to invest in rural America.

Funds for rural communities have been slashed by a third over the past nine years. The cuts reduced support for small town facilities, community development and water and sewer systems – support small towns need to thrive.

A dynamic local market for agricultural products helps create jobs and keeps farmers in business. For example, Dennis is helping a young farming couple get started on his farm. He’s renting some land to them so they can raise products for local markets. Now that’s job creation, the rural way!

3. Reform the U.S. food aid program so it doesn’t hurt farmers in other countries.

Just as rural development and local markets are important to farmers in the U.S., the same is true for farmers in other countries. When the U.S. provides emergency food assistance to countries in need, it can hurt small-scale farmers if grain is dumped on local markets.

Our food aid system should be reformed to be more flexible, and allow food to be purchased locally or regionally instead of shipping grain from the U.S. These reforms will save costs as well as ensure aid strengthens the food system and decreases the need for aid in the future.

You can make your voice heard too! Contact Steph Larsen for ideas, StephL@cfra.org or 402.687.2100.

Common Sense Payment Limits

Sat, 05 May 2012 19:27:03 +0000

In March, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tim Johnson (D-SD) re-introduced The Rural America Preservation Act. This legislation represents the most important step Congress can take to strengthen family farms. Limit the subsidies mega farms use to drive smaller operations out of business.

Originally the bill was introduced in June 2011. Key changes this round will make sure it applies to any farm program changes the Farm Bill makes. These include eliminating direct payments and replacing them with a program that covers shallow farm-level losses.

The bill would cap commodity payments so that no farm couple can receive more than $250,000 per year in farm subsidies.

It would also tighten rules that are supposed to limit payments to real farmers. Current law is weak. Investors who participate in one or two conference calls are considered active farmers. This allows mega farms to get around payment limitations by claiming investors as partners.

For more information, contact me, Traci Bruckner–402.687.2100 or tracib@cfra.org.

Ag Secretary Vilsack Visits Niman Ranch Producers

Sat, 05 May 2012 19:23:59 +0000

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack came to Iowa last month, and my son and I had a front row seat. The secretary spoke about farm policy and USDA initiatives to a network of family farmers raising natural pork for a specialty market.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visits with Sam Bruckner. Sam hopes to farm one day. He listened to the secretary at a meeting of Niman Ranch producers in Iowa last month.
Photo by Traci Bruckner./

Secretary Vilsack talked about how federal conservation programs can encourage outdoor recreation. That generates economic opportunity in rural areas and increases farm income. Hear, hear! We agree, and the 2012 Farm Bill could help make this a reality.

He touched on the importance of regional food systems and programs available to support farmers and ranchers who tap into them. Developing these food systems has created farming opportunities for beginning, small, and midsize family farmers and ranchers. And it has led to increased farm income. Again, hear, hear.

The Niman Ranch Pork network is made up of typical small and midscale family farmers. These farmers are integrated crop and livestock farmers – the ones who create farm opportunity and support our rural communities. Traditionally you would look to them for the next generation of family farmers.

These farmers who produce for a high-value, niche market are finding success. But they face challenges too. They need greater market development to provide even more farm-based opportunity. More midsized infrastructure would help them with processing and distribution.

Some farm programs work against midscale family farmers and ranchers, aiding in consolidation of agriculture. The Farm Bill should cap subsidies mega farms use to grab land out from under them. Livestock market reforms would level the playing field and provide fair and competitive markets. Even premium markets like Niman’s float above the price set in the cash market.

Let’s hope this Farm Bill not only generates discussion on these issues, but actually changes them. Midsize family farms and the next generation – like my son – depend on it.

Contact me, Traci Bruckner, at 402.687.2100 or tracib@cfra.org. I’ll be happy to share more information with you about the meeting.

A Doctor for Your Town

Sat, 05 May 2012 19:17:53 +0000

You know how important your doctor is. No one should live in a county without one. To help, the Affordable Care Act invests in new and expanded efforts to train doctors, nurses, and physician assistants to practice in rural communities like yours.

The law expands loan repayment programs for medical professionals who work in underserved areas. It strengthens doctor and nurse education programs, with a focus on training nurses at community colleges. In addition, the law extends provider payment rates for critical access hospitals and for some rural doctors.

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This map documents the need for doctor’s offices by county in 2009. The Affordable Care Act provides incentives for doctors to practice in small towns like these. They will help change the color of the map across rural America.

Contact me, Brian Depew, for more information, briand@cfra.org or 402.687.2100.

A Community Creates Land Access for Beginning Farmers

Sat, 05 May 2012 19:13:44 +0000

The price of farmland continues its phenomenal rise. Nebraska's average price per acre is $1,833, with an all-time high of $2,410/acre. Iowa's farmland value increased by 32.5% last year. Prices topped at $16,000 to $20,000 per acre.

How do you attract beginning farmers into an unaffordable system? How do you deal with the fact that our producers continue to age? And with fewer young families taking over farms and ranches when ownership is such a barrier?

Some folks are thinking outside the box to bridge the divide to ownership. Lloyd Hannah is a great example of addressing the problem head on. Hannah wanted to do something for veteran beginning farmers.

He’d been around the service a good part of his life. His wife is a retired officer. Lloyd read about our project to assist returning veterans to get into farming. He felt compelled to create an opportunity, and he knew access to land was the biggest hurdle.

Lloyd knew of some land available outside his community. Good farmland, it was owned by the county. They were determining what to do with the parcel and leaning toward developing a landfill.

Isn't there a better use for those 10 acres, thought Lloyd. He approached his county officials with the idea of leasing it to a veteran or veterans who wanted to get into small-scale farming.

A low-cost long-term lease has been agreed on. Lloyd is piecing together how this will work.

How might you develop creative local opportunities to help beginners get started? While 10 acres isn’t a lot of land, it is a place to start. Can you find other creative ways to help beginners get started?

Send your ideas and inspirations to me – Kathie Starkweather, kathies@cfra.org or 402.617.7946.

Small Town Invests in Energy Efficiency to Save

Sat, 05 May 2012 19:05:36 +0000

Energy is on everyone’s mind, from politicians to our neighbors, but we are not helpless! The uncertain economy is a perfect time for you to evaluate your own energy use – and find the savings.

Andrew Carnegie spent heavily in down economic times. He built new factories and tuned up his company. When the economic depression ended, Carnegie Steel (later renamed U.S. Steel) was stronger and ready to grow.

High energy prices affect everything, from the price you pay at the pump to the cost of commodities. Yet several communities are following Carnegie’s example by wisely investing in energy efficiency, despite the economy.

Recently, rural Tecumseh spent money to save money. Partially using funds from the Recovery Act, Tecumseh installed nearly 100 LED outdoor light fixtures. LEDs, or “light-emitting diodes” use a fraction of the energy other light bulbs use. They are bright, require less electricity, and can produce light in a pleasing spectrum.

The new lights are expected to save Tecumseh more than $6,000/year. But LEDs are expensive to purchase and install. The project cost almost $187,000. That’s where government loans come into play, according to Brian Chaffin, Tecumseh’s city engineer.

“Without additional funding and support, a lot of these smaller, more rural towns would not be able to get these projects done.” Brian said.

Big government grants can help rural communities improve their energy infrastructure. Tecumseh only invested $37,000, a sliver of the project’s total cost. Smaller loans are available for individuals, farmers, or ranchers.

Improving your energy efficiency is a great way to save money in the long term. Remember: it’s always cheaper to conserve than to generate. With a little extra investment, you get a much better outcome.

Andrew Carnegie earned immense wealth following this strategy. You and your communities can do the same, and come out of this recession energized.

Contact me, Paul Mansoor, for more information: paulm@cfra.org or 402.687.2100.

How to Not Start a Business

Sat, 05 May 2012 19:02:46 +0000

Suppose you have a cracker-jack idea for starting a business. You’d love nothing better than to dive in and make it happen. Wait a minute, cautions Juan Sandoval, director of the Center’s REAP Hispanic Business Center.

Juan says, “A business owner who is too focused on selling loses track of the goal. That business often ends in failure.” Juan has 3 suggestions to help you plan ahead for success.

1. Think about Your Business Requirements– As a business owner, it’s really important for you to know and understand your business. Your first priorities are Financing and a Business Plan – before you open the business. Look at traditional and non-traditional lenders. Ask about interest rates, loan terms, fees, and penalties you might have to pay.

2. Create Your Own Business Plan– Entrepreneurs often make the mistake of hiring consultants, friends, or family members to write their plan. The purpose of writing a business plan is for you to get to know the business, product, market, industry, competitors and your clients.

If someone else prepares your road map, how are you going to identify which way to go? How you are going to plan for the future? You need to be the driver in creating your business plan.

3. Find the Right Help– If you’re located in Nebraska, our REAP program can help. We offer one-on-one counseling. Individual assistance is available to complete your application, business plan, and projections. We have 2 bilingual REAP staff.

If you’re from another state, check to see if your state has a small business development program. Visit the AEO website and look under the “For Entrepreneurs” tab. The Small Business Administration also has vast online resources to help you get started.

Juan can help too! Contact Juan Sandoval, REAP Hispanic Business Center Director, at juans@cfra.org or 402.371.7786. You'll find more about the Center's REAP services here.

Corporate Farming Notes: Arsenic and Honeybees

Sat, 05 May 2012 18:30:12 +0000

Chickens in industrial operations are fed caffeine, arsenic, banned antibiotics, and the active ingredients in Tylenol and Benadryl. That’s what researchers from Johns Hopkins University and Arizona State University found when they tested feather meal made from chicken feathers.

Many antibiotics and other drugs used in poultry production accumulate in feathers, making the research possible. The first study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, reports a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones – such as Ciprofloxacin – were found routinely in tested samples.

This class of antibiotics was banned from use in poultry production in 2005 by the Food and Drug Administration to slow development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. The same study also found the antihistamine in Benadryl in one-third of samples. It found acetaminophen (Tylenol) and caffeine in a large majority of samples.

The second study, published in Science of the Total Environment, found arsenic in every sample of feather meal tested. Antibiotics and arsenic are fed to chickens to prevent infection and promote growth. Caffeine, Benadryl, and acetaminophen are fed to keep chickens more awake and relaxed to promote weight gain and better meat texture.

In case you’re worried, the FDA announced on April 11 they are proposing a voluntary initiative. It’s designed to reduce the use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry production to curb antimicrobial resistance. I’m sure that will do the trick.

The culprit for the decline in honeybee colonies worldwide is likely imidacloprid, a widely used agricultural pesticide. Research was conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health and published in the Bulletin of Insectology. It provides what author Chenshen Lu calls “convincing evidence” of the link between the pesticide and Colony Collapse Disorder.

Massive honeybee losses could result in billions of dollars in damages. They are prime pollinators of approximately one-third of fruits, vegetables, nuts, alfalfa, and clover produced in the U.S.

Question or comments? Send them my way, John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org or 402.687.2100.

Land Link Sneak Peek

Sat, 05 May 2012 18:27:23 +0000

East Central South Dakota Livestock Farm: Picture yourself on a 160 acre farm. This one is near Canistota, South Dakota, pop 700 – about 30 miles northwest of Sioux Falls. You’ll see all grass on the farm. There’s a barn, several smaller outbuildings, 3 open-front sheds, and a poultry processing facility.

The landowners actively farm the land and will continue to live there. They’d like to rent the farm, perhaps share machinery, and will sell some livestock.

The land is organically certified and must remain organic. The entire farm is fenced into 16 paddocks for rotational grazing. The owners raise and direct market beef, lamb, pork, chicken, duck, geese and turkey products with “The Goosemobile,” their mobile meat market. They also custom graze cattle on a rotational basis.

Young Couple Seeks Ranch: A couple in their 20s with experience in beef cattle seeks an opportunity. They are interested in a cattle ranching operation. These young ranchers are open to a variety of transition options and locations. They are committed to soil and wildlife conservation and have some cattle handling equipment to contribute to the right operation.

Do you know someone who needs a hand with cattle ranching? Are you intrigued by the organic farm opportunity? Give me a shout for more information – Virginia Wolking, 402.687.2100 or virginiaw@cfra.org.

Across the Nation

Sat, 05 May 2012 18:26:01 +0000

Kentucky: Kentucky’s General Assembly passed legislation to exempt the Amish from being required to display bright orange safety triangles on their slow-moving buggies. House legislators approved a bill to allow reflective silver or white tape on the backs of their horse-drawn buggies instead.

Several Amish farmers served jail time in Kentucky for refusing to display the triangles. They objected on religious grounds. The triangular shape represents the Trinity, which they are not allowed to display. It also called undue attention to them against the norms of their religion.

Maryland: You may receive better public policy to protect the environment. That’s the aim of a new $27 million National Science Foundation grant to the University of Maryland. With the money, they will comb through environmental and sociological data to positively affect public policy.

The new National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center will be based in Annapolis. It’s designed to spur research between disciplines. They’ll tackle some of the world’s largest environmental problems, such as sustainable growth.

Send your questions and comments my way. Contact Virginia Wolking, 402.687.2100 or virginiaw@cfra.org.

In Memoriam: Norma Hall

Sat, 05 May 2012 18:23:51 +0000

Rural America lost a champion with the passing of Norma Hall on April 7. Norma farmed near Elmwood, Nebraska, with her husband Dale until retirement. She demonstrated her commitment to family farming in the combine, testifying before Congress, and leading farm and rural organization organizations.

Norma held state and national leadership roles in Women Involved in Farm Economics. She also served on the Board of Nebraska Farmers Union and for 15 years on the Center for Rural Affairs Board.

She was an ardent champion of Initiative 300 – Nebraska’s anti corporate farming constitutional amendment. Norma was instrumental in its passage by initiative petition. She put herself on the line to successfully press for its enforcement before the Nebraska Supreme Court in Hall v Progress Pig, Inc.

Those of us who knew and worked with Norma experienced the power of her stubborn determination to change things for the better and the kind words of encouragement to lift us in a dark hour. She has been an important part of the life of the Center for Rural Affairs and our lives at the Center.

We will miss Norma Hall.

-- Chuck Hassebrook

Inga Wins Championship and Raises Money for Good Cause

Sat, 05 May 2012 18:22:46 +0000

Photo by Daniel Bridges

Center for Rural Affairs intern Inga Haugen distinguished herself at the first Hot Dog Eating Contest at Lyons-Decatur Northeast School. Inga won with 14 hot dogs eaten in 10 minutes. Cheered on by fans and Center staff, she took home a coffee mug. More importantly, she helped raise money for a good cause.

The contest capped off a fundraising drive to help fight leukemia. The school raised $2,133.44 in their “Pennies for Patients” drive. Fellow contestants included Kyle Olson from Brehemers Mfg., Tim Slaughter of Farm & Home Ins., Cody Anderson for Ronnfeldt Farms, Dan Maresh representing Lyons-Decatur Northeast School, and senior Alex Peterson.

Congratulations, Inga!

You Help Keep Our Work Strong

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:14:24 +0000

Two things keep the Center strong decade after decade. The first is grassroots supporters, like you, working as engaged citizens and active business owners in your community and speaking out for policy change at the statehouse and in Washington.

Our work with grassroots rural people is the most important thing we do to build a strong future in rural America.

The second thing that keeps our work strong is a consistent commitment to a set of values.

For nearly four decades we have fought, not for the vested interest of any group, but for a set of values that represent the best in rural America. Those include genuine opportunity for all, stewardship to our environment, and the responsibility of citizens to be engaged in shaping the future.

These two critical elements – our values and passionate supporters like you all across the country – keep the Center resilient in the face of change.

Along with a strong staff and engaged board, this ensures we rise everyday ready and able to fight for what we believe.

That is because, rather than being about any single leader, the Center is about the work we do together and the values we uphold. It is about continuing our commitment to creating opportunity, engaging people, and building a future in rural America.

We live in an era of profound change in the greater world as well. Institutions, policy, and life are being fundamentally reshaped by major debates about fiscal policy, immigration and energy, climate and the environment.

Now more than ever, we must work together in guiding change to reflect our values. Rural America needs your ideas, your energy, and your persistence to strengthen our communities and shape our future.

As we embark on this work together, I am humbled and honored to stand on the shoulders of four decades of accomplishments, commitment to values, and effectiveness as an organization.

Brian Depew, Acting Executive Director, 402.687.2100 or briand@cfra.org.

Who Will Fight for You?

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:12:59 +0000

When it comes to health insurance, everyone wants lower rates. But who will fight for lower rates for your family or your business? If you’re lucky, your state can fight for you.

States have the right to regulate insurance within their borders. Most states have someone – a commissioner or a director – who is able to be your defender.

Now more than ever, health insurance companies need someone to act as a watchdog and keep them accountable. For many goods or services, a competitive marketplace helps keep prices down. But for most of us, two or three insurers dominate the market in our state. If you aren’t happy with your insurer, there may be no better options.

The skyrocketing insurance rates are in part due to a lack of public oversight, a lack of someone with the ability to protect consumers like you. The Affordable Care Act helps a bit. In the law, any rate increase above 10 percent (for the group you are in) can trigger a rate review by an independent third party.

Your state’s insurance commissioner might conduct the review of health insurance rate increases. Or the federal Health and Human Services agency conducts the review for states whose commissioners don’t have the authority to review rates.

Reviewing rates keeps insurers more honest. If the insurer can show the rate increase is justified because of increased costs within a given group, the rate increase moves forward. But they have to show that the increase does more than pad their profits.

However, the real protection for consumers comes with rate rejection. In some states, the commissioner can actually reject a rate increase. This happened in California, where a proposed 39 percent rate increase was found to be due to a “math error.”

Reviewing insurance rates can save you money, and that’s good for all families and businesses.

Do you have questions or concerns? Contact me – Steph Larsen – at 402.687.2100 or StephL@cfra.org.

VIEWPOINT: Health care reforms will benefit all Those who farm near Grand ...

Brian Depew — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:48:18 +0000

VIEWPOINT: Health care reforms will benefit all

Those who farm near Grand Forks are lucky, blessed with some of the richest farmland in the world and a great town to support their enterprise.

By Virginia Wolking | August 30, 2009

LYONS, Neb. — Those who farm near Grand Forks are lucky, blessed with some of the richest farmland in the world and a great town to support their enterprise.

When I worked summers on a small farm about 20 miles northwest of Grand Forks in Euclid, Minn., I spent many mornings selling produce at the thriving Grand Forks Farmers Market and delivering eggs to Amazing Grains, Sanders Restaurant and Dakota Harvest Bakers.

Area farmers and residents of Grand Forks are fortunate to have these small businesses that embrace local farms and supply the community with healthy, locally produced foods.

But farmers and small business owners in and around Grand Forks face serious economic challenges. One of these challenges is the skyrocketing cost of adequate health insurance. Rising health care costs likely will determine the success or failure of many farmers, small business owners and workers during America’s economic recovery.

Farmers are good at rolling with the punches. They adapt daily to ever-changing weather and agriculture markets, but the current high cost of health insurance leaves farmers and small business owners between a rock and a hard place.

The rock is the costly insurance market, where farmers, small business owners and the self-employed are forced to buy health insurance as individuals. The hard place is going without insurance. For farmers and small business owners, this means putting their businesses or farms at risk.

As health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses rise, more small business owners in and around Grand Forks will drop unaffordable coverage for themselves and their employees. Nearly one-quarter (23 percent) of farm and ranch operators report that insurance premiums and other out-of-pocket health care costs are causing financial difficulties for themselves and their families.

Health care reform is crucial if we hope to continue to grow small business and farms in and around Grand Forks.

Reforming our health care system has the potential to make quality, affordable health care accessible to all North Dakotans and Minnesotans. We can achieve this by creating new health insurance options and tax incentives to help the self-employed and small businesses purchase quality health care coverage.

The health care bills being debated before Congress provide such an opportunity.

By advancing health care reform, Congress can help family farmers, ranches and small businesses access affordable, quality health care coverage. This will jump-start entrepreneurship, get farmers and small business owners out of a tight spot and strengthen our rural communities.

Wolking is a rural policy organizer at the Center for Rural Affairs.

http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/131589/

Iowa regional news and notes Agri Business | By | August 25, 2009 W...

Brian Depew — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:45:37 +0000

Iowa regional news and notes

Agri Business | By | August 25, 2009

Westergard crowned Iowa State Fair Queen

DES MOINES -- Caine Westergard, 17, of Plymouth County is the 2009 Iowa State Fair Queen.

The daughter of Carl and Colleen Westergard of Ireton, Caine was chosen out of 103 contestants.

Shelby Sieren, 18, of Keota County was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Scott and Renee Sieren of Keota. Second runner-up was Demi Dunn of Cherokee County. She is the daughter of Deb and Doug Dunn of Cherokee. Kelsey Salton, 17, of Clay County was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Russ and Sue Salton of Ayrshire.

Meghan Cain of Madison County earned both Outstanding Leadership and Personality Plus Awards. She is the daughter of Paul and Kelly Cain of Van Meter.

Queen Caine, who will reign for the next year, receives a $2,500 scholarship and $300 U.S. Savings Bond from the Iowa State Fair in addition to her crown, sash and trophy.

Borlaug Center dedication is Sept. 2 near Nashua

NASHUA, Iowa -- An open house and dedication is planned Sept. 2 for the Northeast Research Farm's Borlaug Learning Center grand opening.

The opening ceremony will start at 5 p.m. and will be led by Mark Mueller, president of the Northeast Iowa Experimental Association. The association owns the farm and works with Iowa State University to conduct research.

Featured speakers will include Kay Connelly, co-chairman of the fundraising committee, ISU president Gregory Geoffroy; ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences dean; and Jack Payne, ISU vice president for Extension and Outreach.

The farm is located is located 1.25 miles west of Nashua on B60, 1 mile south on Windfall Avenue and a quarter-mile east on 290th St.

Web site offers options for hail-damaged crops

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University Extension recently set up a hail damage Web page. The Web page is part of Extension's Disaster Recovery site at www.extension.iastate.edu/disasterrecovery/.

The severe hail storm that hit northeast Iowa July 24 left behind a six-county strip of major crop issues.

Other recent storm events have caused damage to smaller pockets of crops.

Information related to assessing crop damage, emergency forage, salvaging a hail damaged crop, foliar fungicide and hail damage, silage harvest issues, and grain harvest issues are available on the Web page.

Additional information will be posted as harvest approaches.

Rosmann farm will host field day on Aug. 27

HARLAN, Iowa -- Ron and Maria Rosmann, Daniel Rosmann, and Practical Farmers of Iowa will host at field day at the Rosmann farm at 1 p.m. Aug. 27.

Topics that will be covered are: planting cover crops (turnips, red clover and brassicas) in corn at last cultivation, measuring soil carbon, organic swine and beef production with resource saving crop rotations, and an ongoing aphid-resistant soybean trial.

Abe Sandquist of Natural Fertilizer Services in Woodbine will talk about Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans.

Following the field day, Traci Bruckner of The Center for Rural Affairs and NRCS staff will present information on conservation, family farm and value-added agriculture, and beginning farmer and rancher programs in the 2008 farm bill.

Iowa Learning Farm hosts Sioux County field day

HAWARDEN, Iowa -- The Iowa Learning Farm will host a field day at the Nate Ronsiek farm near Hawarden at 6 p.m. Aug. 27. The field day will focus on no-tillage conservation farming for optimum results.

Nate Ronsiek is a cooperator with the Iowa Learning Farm and will offer information about his demonstration site and tell of his experiences in adopting no-till.

The field day includes a complimentary evening meal served by the Sioux County Cattlemen and sponsored by Farmers Elevator Company and Farm Credit Services of America. For more information or to register, call the Sioux County Extension office at (712) 737-4230.

ISU will offer short course at Dairy Expo

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University's Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is coordinating a short course in conjunction with the World Dairy Expo in September in conjunction on how to produce energy from dairy manure using anaerobic digestion.

The training will be held Sept. 28 and Sept. 29 in the Madison Concourse Hotel in Madison, Wis. The World Dairy Expo runs from Sept. 29-Oct. 3.

The session costs $595 for Expo attendees and $795 for exhibitors. The early registration deadline is Sept. 14 and the hotel registration deadline is Aug. 30.

New Iowa publication on protecting bees

AMES, Iowa -- Honey bees play a key role in Iowa's agroecosystem -- to the tune of an estimated $92 million annually as plant pollinators. Iowa beekeepers manage about 30,000 colonies of honey bees that produce more than 3 million pounds of honey annually.

"Protecting Bees in Iowa: What's Your Role?" is a new Iowa State University Extension publication that lists actions pesticide applicators and beekeepers can take to protect honey bees.

Report documents grain flow in Iowa

DES MOINES -- A major study tracking the movement of grain and co-products from Iowa farms to end users has been completed. The report is titled "The 2007/08 Iowa Grain and Biofuel Flow Study: A Survey Report.''

The report documents how farmers, grain handlers, corn and soybean processors, as well as biofuel manufacturers, move their products to their end users.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship served as the project coordinator. The project was funded by nine sponsors including state agencies, producer associations and processor organizations. The study was conducted by Iowa State University's Center for Agricultural and Rural Development.

The report is the latest in a series of studies that have focused on the transportation flow of Iowa's farm commodities, but the first to have included biofuels and selected co-products.

Lawyers want to bar work testimony

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Lawyers for a former Kosher slaughterhouse executive are asking a judge to bar from testifying former plant workers who may have lied to get work in the United States.

About 32 former workers at Agriprocessors Inc. are listed as government witnesses in the prosecution of Sholom Rubashkin, a former manager of the Postville slaughterhouse.

Rubashkin is accused of immigrant harboring, bank fraud, mail fraud and wire fraud. Rubashkin's arrest followed a May 2008 immigration raid at the Agriprocessors plant.

In a motion filed last week, attorneys for Rubashkin say some government witnesses were "incompetent to testify as a matter of law" because of their desires to return home. Prosecutors kept many of the witnesses in the country despite their wishes to return to Guatemala, Mexico and other homelands.

http://webstar.postbulletin.com/agrinews/295267298788649.bsp

Nebraska healthcare advocates to senators: Fight for us, pass reform Chadro...

Brian Depew — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:41:37 +0000

Nebraska healthcare advocates to senators: Fight for us, pass reform
Chadron Record | August 24, 2009

As our Senators prepare to come back home for the August recess, we ask them to fight for us—every Nebraskan knows someone who fights for their life while fighting insurance, or someone who runs a small business and fights to pay the increasing premiums, or someone who simply fights to get insurance coverage.

It’s time our Senators fight for Nebraskans; it’s time to pass healthcare reform this year.

Over the past few months, Nebraskans have heard from both Senators about the critical need to fix the broken system, including Senator Nelson’s bi-partisan letter this month stating he is “firmly committed to enactment of comprehensive reform this year.”

We want to remind our Senators that we need their leadership to pass healthcare reform this year. We need them to fight for us.

Recent reports document the urgency to pass healthcare reform and what the cost of keeping the status quo represents:

u Families USA reports over 220 Nebraskans are losing health insurance every week because of the rising cost of health insurance premiums, and 100 Nebraskans die every year because they do not have health coverage—this is on top of the over 200,000 Nebraskans who currently have no insurance.

u The Center for Rural Affairs issued a report from Small Business Majority which found that 63% of Nebraska’s small businesses—including our farms and ranches—believe healthcare reform is important to getting the economy back on track. Additionally, 82% of businesses not offering health insurance say they can’t afford to or are really struggling to do so.

u SEIU and NE Appleseed report your average Nebraskan family currently spends more than $14,000 on health insurance and that cost goes up at least $1,500 each year.

u AARP reports that 31,534 Nebraskans between 50-64 are uninsured and people on Medicare are spending about 30% of their incomes on out-of-pocket health care expenses.

If we do nothing to reform the system, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation estimates, health costs for families, individuals and businesses doubling over the next 10 years and the rate of the uninsured going up to 40% of Americans.

All of these are critical numbers—but we also have stories from our neighbors who make this issue real and who remind us why it’s time for reform now.

Jim, a fellow Nebraskan who has farmed his entire life needs Senator Nelson and Johanns to fight for him. Jim is already spending half of his income on health insurance for himself and his wife.

Bonnie and her husband, two professionals who were laid off, have been denied coverage by private insurance because of their pre-existing conditions, nor can they afford the state’s CHIP insurance program of last resort. They are now among the state’s uninsured population.

Rodney, a fork-lift operator from Omaha, was diagnosed with cancer. Rodney’s employer ended his health insurance a year after he was diagnosed leading to significant out-of-pocket medical bills. Unfortunately, Rodney lost his battle with cancer and the debt from his treatment still remains a burden for his wife and sister. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network all too often hears stories like Rodney’s demonstrating the need for health care reform.

Affordable health insurance must cover what Nebraskans need to keep them healthy, provide adequate coverage when they need it, and protect them from out of control costs.

Several committees in Congress have been working diligently for over a year to find the most helpful and productive policies for reform. The House health care reform bill contains several significant policy reforms that will bring us closer to a health care system that works for all Nebraskans.

It’s time to put good politics to work to get good policy in place for Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, families, and businesses throughout our rural and urban communities.

We urge both Senators Johanns and Nelson to work towards comprehensive reform that ensures all Nebraskans have the health care they need at a cost they can afford. Above all else, we ask the Senators to fight for us. It’s time to pass health care reform this year.

AARP Nebraska

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Nebraska

Center for Rural Affairs

Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest

Nebraska Alliance for Healthcare Reform

Nebraska Health Care for America Now

SEIU Change That Works Nebraska

http://www.thechadronnews.com/articles/2009/08/24/chadron/opinion/doc4a81c8bb52f1f951205573.txt

Small Town Railies to Save Grocery Store Ag Journal | By ...

Brian Depew — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:35:58 +0000

Small Town Railies to Save Grocery Store
Ag Journal | By Candace Krebs | Aug 24, 200

SEIBERT, Colo. — Marilyn McCaffrey has seen first-hand what a small town will do to keep its grocery store open.

In the Eastern Colorado community where she grew up, she watched as leaders rallied to keep the grocery store she manages in business. “You can do it,” she says. “But it takes a lot of time and money and effort from a lot of people.”

In the early 1990s, land at the center of town was donated for the purpose of building a much-needed new grocery store. But it took nearly ten years for the community to raise the $300,000 to build the practical, virtually maintenance free, metal structure. It’s a bright, clean, inviting store today.

McCaffrey started working at the original store across the street in 1992 and became a manager in 1995. Despite its historic flair, the old store is now one of many empty buildings that sit vacant, deteriorating. The town’s population has ebbed to less than 200 people.

But the small local grocery continues to persevere, even outlasting the Rocky Mountain News that once attracted donations from overseas by telling the story of the town’s efforts to save its store.

“The town has been quite resourceful,” McCaffrey says.

To raise funds for the building, community events and auctions were held. Decorative bricks were sold. McCaffrey and her husband have their names engraved there. McCaffrey also bought a brick in honor of her mother.

The wall gives the building character.

“It turned out to be a nice deal,” McCaffrey says.

But donations of money were only part of the equation.

“It was a big undertaking,” she says now. “There was a lot of volunteer work before we opened — painting, shelving, a lot of hard work.”

Cooperating for survival

When the Center for Rural Affairs put together a list of critical infrastructure that keep small towns vibrant, they gave grocery stores a top rating, calling them “a vital part of the fabric of a community.”

Stories of how small towns have kept their stores alive are as numerous as the small towns and the customers who still do business there. Probably everyone has a story associated with where they shop, what that place means to them, and their concerns for the future as rural populations decline and farms consolidate into larger and fewer operations.

When family businesses close or private owners pull out, many communities are forced to look at the option of banding together to start a cooperative store. Resources like Food Co-op 500 exist to provide information and advice. Food Co-op 500 (online at http://www.foodcoop500.coop) provides grants (what they call “seed” and “sprout” funds) networking and educational videos to help communities large and small all over the country get started with the process of creating a cooperative grocery store.

Residents of Walsh, Colorado, formed a cooperative when their hometown grocery store closed a little over two years ago. Community residents weren’t willing to drive a half-hour to the nearest grocery store. Organizers sold $50 memberships around town, with the hope that shared ownership would give residents an extra incentive to keep their dollars local.

The grocery co-op brought in more than $1 million in its first year of operation, according to the organizers.

Seibert’s store has gone the cooperative route too. The store was a family-owned business for decades until it became part of the Kirk Co-operative Food Store in 1984. It cost $10 to be a member and food purchases were made in bulk for stores in Kirk, Cope and Anton as well as Seibert.

At first it worked well, McCaffrey remembers. But that isn’t where the story ends. Eventually the cooperative went out of business, and the little store in Seibert continued to change operators every two years or so. McCaffrey pegs lack of grocery business knowledge as the culprit.

She can also list the challenges confronting small grocers. Even with unemployment running high, good labor is hard to find. The overhead of freezers, coolers and computers can be considerable. The electric bill is a big expense. McCaffrey says hers runs about $2,000 a month.

In 2005, the store was finally taken over by Perk O’Dell’s, a regional chain based in Akron, which was already operating in about 12 locations and growing.

“They are very pleased with the arrangement, and it’s doing very well,” McCaffrey says.

In fact, the store’s profitability increased last year.

She suspects that the cost of gasoline and the downturn in the economy may have been an incentive for more people to economize by shopping locally.

Few bells and whistles

Seibert’s grocery doesn’t have much in the way of bells and whistles. There’s no fresh meat department, for example. McCaffrey and her husband Kenny, who were once in the ranching business, personally buy their beef directly from local farmers. There’s no fresh bakery so those items are limited too.

Still, McCaffrey shrugs off the no-nonsense inventory.

“I’ve always been able to buy everything I needed here,” she says.

McCaffrey relies heavily on customer loyalty. There’s a Wal-Mart Superstore in Goodland, Kan., 60 miles away, a potential source of competition. Fifteen miles in either direction, Flagler and Stratton, neighboring towns along Interstate 70, have small grocery stores too.

Like so many rural towns, Siebert has an aging population, with residents who have a hard time traveling very far on a routine basis. “It would be a struggle for some of them,” McCaffrey says. “And they are also our very best customers.”

Another feature the Center for Rural Affairs lists as vital to a small town is having a school. McCaffrey says in Seibert, the grocery store has a mutually beneficial relationship with the local High Plains High School.

She reluctantly admits that somewhere down the road there will probably be just one school left in Kit Carson County, which also includes the larger towns of Flagler to the west and Burlington to the east.

But for now the town’s investment in its grocery store building seems to be paying off. McCaffrey sees about 800 customers come through each week.
“A lot of people in this town are very grateful,” she says.

http://www.agjournalonline.com/news/x1886178700/Small-Town-Railies-to-Save-Grocery-Store

Renewable energy development holds economic potential for Nebraska ...

Brian Depew — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:33:29 +0000

Renewable energy development holds economic potential for Nebraska

The Grand Island Independent | By Robert Pore |August 23, 2009

A new analysis from the Center for Rural Affairs on the economic potential of wind energy development found it has a great economic impact in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota.

"There is no legislation in Congress with greater potential to create jobs and directly impact rural economic development and revitalization in the Midwest and Great Plains," said John Crabtree of the Center for Rural Affairs.

Expanding production of renewable electricity to 20 percent of the nation's electrical generation has the potential to create a large number of new jobs in the rural Midwest and Great Plains, according to unpublished analyses from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The analysis projects Nebraska would gain nearly 3,500 long-term jobs in operation and maintenance of wind farms. Kansas would have more than 3,100 jobs, South Dakota more than 3,900 jobs and Iowa more than 9,000 jobs. An even higher number of medium-term jobs, averaging one year in duration, would be created -- jobs related to manufacturing, site preparation and turbine construction.

The American Wind Energy Association's 2009 Nebraska Wind Energy Tour will take place Tuesday through Thursday. This year's tour stops include Scottsbluff, Broken Bow, Columbus and Omaha.

Topics to be discussed on the tour stops will include: economic development, the 20 percent wind energy by 2030 vision, Nebraska and the national renewable electricity standard, current wind farms in the state, manufacturing/construction opportunities and education avenues. Presenters will include AWEA representatives, community college officials and wind experts from in and out of the state of Nebraska.

The Broken Bow stop will be Wednesday, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Huckleberry's Hideout at 625 S. 10th Ave. Rick Nelson, general manager of the Custer Public Power District, will co-host the event.

According to the Center for Rural Affairs, nationally, the analysis projects reaching 20 percent of electrical generation from wind would result in 1.75 million full-time jobs during wind turbine construction and 1.6 million new, permanent operational (post-construction) jobs created.

According to Crabtree, whether the potential for wind energy to revitalize the rural areas of these four states is realized depends in large measure on the fate of federal renewable energy legislation, especially in the U.S. Senate. There, he said, the American Clean Energy Leadership Act has languished following passage out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee after efforts to dilute the bill in committee met with mixed results.

"There is likely to be an effort to raise the standard when the American Clean Energy Leadership Act comes before the full Senate, and some will describe it as an environmental measure," said Crabtree. "But to rural people in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota, it is unprecedented once-in-a-lifetime federal legislation to create genuine economic opportunity and a better future in their communities."

The act, he said, would facilitate development of a national interstate electric transmission grid to move electricity from areas with the resources for renewable production to areas with high demand. It would be tailor-made for moving wind power from the wind-rich Great Plains to the nation's population centers. The costs of developing the grid would be shared among all beneficiaries, including both electricity producers and consumers.

The bill also includes a critically important renewable electricity standard. It would ostensibly require that 12 percent of the nation's electric generation come from renewable sources, including wind, solar, geothermal, new hydroelectric, biomass and landfill generation, by the year 2021, according to Crabtree.

A National Renewable Energy Laboratory study, Comparative Analysis of Three Proposed Federal Renewable Electricity Standards, concludes, however, that the legislation would effectively require renewable production of less than 10 percent of the nation's electricity by the year 2021. That is less renewable electricity production than the study projects in its baseline, which assumes that Congress takes no action to promote renewable production of electricity.

"The renewable electricity standard is important, but it is crucial that the standard that came out of the Senate Energy Committee be strengthened on the floor of the Senate in order for the rural Midwest and Great Plains to realize the fullest economic potential of wind energy development," Crabtree added.

A full copy of the report can be viewed and downloaded at: http://files.cfra.org/pdf/Renewable-Energy-and-Economic-Potential.pdf

http://www.theindependent.com/articles/2009/08/23/news/local/10484452.txt

Program on stewardship and organic farming this week Des Moines | August 23,...

Brian Depew — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:31:07 +0000

Program on stewardship and organic farming this week
Des Moines | August 23, 2009

An agriculture seminar covering issues related to organic farming and stewardship is planned for this week near Harlan.

The event is at 1 p.m. Thursday with Ron and Maria Rosmann, Daniel Rosmann and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Some of the topics that will be covered are planting cover crops (turnips, red clover and brassicas) in corn at last cultivation, measuring soil carbon, producing organic swine and beef, using resource-saving crop rotations and learning about an aphid-resistant soybean trial.

Abe Sandquist of Natural Fertilizer Services in Woodbine will present Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans.

Traci Bruckner of the Center for Rural Affairs will present information on conservation, family farm and value-added agriculture, and beginning farmer and rancher programs in the 2008 farm bill.

Rosmann Family Farms has been pesticide-free since 1983 and certified organic since the 1990s. The family grows and markets corn, soybeans, barley, oats, popcorn, alfalfa and more. The organic farming system also has a 40-sow deep-bedded farrow-to-finish operation and a 90-head cow-calf herd. The farm markets meat through a private-label direct-marketing business and through natural food stores.

To get to the event Thursday, from the intersection of U.S. Highway 59 and Iowa Highway 44 in Harlan, travel two miles west, then 2.25 miles north on Ironwood. The farm is on west side of the road.

For more information, call (515) 232-5661 or visit www.practicalfarmers.org.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090823/BUSINESS01/90822022/-1/NEWS04

Center For Rural Affairs Releases Report Examining Economic Impact Of Wind P...

Brian Depew — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:28:19 +0000

Center For Rural Affairs Releases Report Examining Economic Impact Of Wind Projects
North American Windpower | Aug 21, 2009

The Center for Rural Affairs, a policy analysis and advocacy organization based in Lyons, Neb., has released an analysis on the economic potential of wind energy development entitled "Renewable Energy and Economic Potential in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota." The report examines economic impact, job creation and wind resources in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota.

Expanding production of renewable electricity to 20% of the nation's electrical generation has the potential to create a large number of new jobs in the rural Midwest and Great Plains, according to unpublished analyses from the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

The analysis projects that Kansas would gain nearly 3,100 long-term jobs in operations and maintenance of wind farms, more than 3,500 jobs in Nebraska, more than 3,900 jobs in South Dakota and more than 9,000 jobs in Iowa. An even higher number of medium-term jobs, averaging one year in duration, would be created – jobs related to manufacturing, site preparation and wind turbine construction.

Nationally, the analysis projects that reaching 20% of electrical generation from wind would result in 1.75 million full-time jobs during wind turbine construction and 1.6 million new, permanent operational (post-construction) jobs created.

The state-by-state projections were prepared in conjunction with the NREL's report "20% Wind by 2030," but were never formally published. Those projections form the basis for the state facts sheets included in the Center for Rural Affairs' report.

According to the Center For Rural Affairs, whether or not the potential for wind energy to revitalize the rural areas of these four states is realized depends, in large part, on the fate of federal renewable energy legislation.

SOURCE: The Center for Rural Affairs

http://www.nawindpower.com/naw/e107_plugins/content/content_lt.php?content.4496

Wind Energy Has Many Potential Positives American Agriculturlist | Aug 20, 2...

Brian Depew — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:25:16 +0000

Wind Energy Has Many Potential Positives
American Agriculturlist | Aug 20, 2009

The Center for Rural Affairs has released an analysis on the economic potential of wind energy development. The report addresses economic impact, job creation and wind resources in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota. According to the report expanding production of renewable electricity to 20% of the nation's electrical generation has the potential to create a large number of new jobs in the rural Midwest and Great Plains.

The analysis projects that Kansas would gain nearly 3,100 long-term jobs in operations and maintenance of wind farms, Nebraska over 3,500 jobs, South Dakota over 3,900 jobs and Iowa over 9,000 jobs. An even higher number of medium-term jobs, averaging one year in duration, would be created. These jobs would be related to manufacturing, site preparation and turbine construction. Nationally, reaching 20% of electrical generation from wind would result in 1.75 million full-time jobs during wind turbine construction and 1.6 million new, permanent operational jobs.

The American Clean Energy Leadership Act is the key to this success. The Act would facilitate development of a national interstate electric transmission grid to move electricity from areas that have the resources for renewable production to areas with high demand. The bill also includes a critically important Renewable Electricity Standard. It would ostensibly require that 12% of the nation's electric generation come from renewable sources, not 20%, including wind, solar, geothermal, new hydroelectric, biomass and landfill generation, by the year 2021.

http://americanagriculturist.com/story.aspx?s=30908&c=8

Wind Energy Has Positive Attributes Hoosier Ag Today | By Gary Truitt | 08/...

Brian Depew — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:23:07 +0000

Wind Energy Has Positive Attributes
Hoosier Ag Today | By Gary Truitt | 08/19/2009

The Center for Rural Affairs has released an analysis on the economic potential of wind energy development. The report addresses economic impact, job creation and wind resources in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota. According to the report, expanding production of renewable electricity to 20% of the nation's electrical generation has the potential to create a large number of new jobs in the rural Midwest and Great Plains.

The analysis projects that Kansas would gain nearly 3,100 long-term jobs in operations and maintenance of wind farms, Nebraska over 3,500 jobs, South Dakota over 3,900 jobs and Iowa over 9,000 jobs. An even higher number of medium-term jobs, averaging one year in duration, would be created. These jobs would be related to manufacturing, site preparation and turbine construction. Nationally, reaching 20% of electrical generation from wind would result in 1.75 million full-time jobs during wind turbine construction and 1.6 million new, permanent operational jobs.

The American Clean Energy Leadership Act is the key to this success. The Act would facilitate development of a national interstate electric transmission grid to move electricity from areas that have the resources for renewable production to areas with high demand. The bill also includes a critically important Renewable Electricity Standard. It would ostensibly require that 12 percent of the nation's electric generation come from renewable sources, not 20 percent, including wind, solar, geothermal, new hydroelectric, biomass and landfill generation, by the year 2021.

http://www.hoosieragtoday.com/wire/news/5279988_positivewind_224115.php

Rural America needs a public health insurance plan Chadron Record ...

Brian Depew — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:20:29 +0000

Rural America needs a public health insurance plan

Chadron Record | By Elisha Greeley Smith, Center for Rural Affairs Monday | August 17, 2009

The current health insurance system does not work well for many rural people and businesses. They pay too much for too little coverage and too little peace of mind. Health care reform that is based on the current system does little to address the unique issues faced by many rural people.

Why should rural people be satisfied with maintaining a system that does not work for millions of them without significant reforms? A public health insurance plan option is simply that - a choice that addresses many of the health insurance issues and barriers faced by rural people, families and businesses.

Whether or not to include a public health insurance plan in health care reform legislation as an option for individuals, families and businesses is a crucial decision. With the many health care challenges facing rural people, Congress’ decision will have significant consequences for rural America, and we have much to gain or lose.

The potential strengths of public health insurance plans are what many rural people and businesses need-stability and cost controls while providing health insurance access to vulnerable populations like low and moderate-income families, small business employers and employees and the self-employed.

A recent Center for Rural Affairs report examines some of the arguments for a public health insurance plan, how the plan would address the health care challenges that exist for rural areas, and, ultimately, why the choice of a public health insurance plan option is needed for rural America.

View the report at: http://files.cfra.org/pdf/public_plan.pdf.

http://www.thechadronnews.com/articles/2009/08/17/chadron/opinion/doc4a7885cc49e50505044189.txt