News

Midlands Voices: SNAP benefits have important role in rural economies

Nathan Beacom — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 18:38:52 +0000

Published in the Omaha World-Herald on Sept. 27, 2020

It has been well reported by now that Nebraska holds the distinction of being one of only two states to have refused an emergency federal boost to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as “food stamps”).

Less noted has been the particular need for this assistance in rural parts of the state, where food insecurity is high and access to groceries is more difficult. This assistance, were it accepted, would allow SNAP beneficiaries to receive the full benefit available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. These funds would help to ensure that all rural Nebraskans have enough to eat and, at the same time, provide an effective stimulus to the economies of small towns.

The governor’s administration has stated that this relief is no longer needed because life in Nebraska has returned to normal. While it is good news that Nebraska’s economy has not been hit as hard as some other states, it remains the case that the pandemic has put extra financial stress on families and low-wage workers. Unemployment remains nearly double what it was before the start of the pandemic, and, for a significant number of families, this emergency food aid could be the difference between having dinner on the table and having to send their kids to bed hungry.

More than 77,000 households in Nebraska regularly rely on SNAP benefits to keep their families fed, and participation is highest in rural areas and smaller towns. Rural Nebraska also tends to face higher rates of poverty and unemployment compared to the state’s cities.

Not only is the state putting these rural families in a hard spot; it is also missing out on an effective support for businesses hit hard by the pandemic. In normal times, SNAP is an important driver in rural economies. The dollars spent at a small-town grocery store help keep their doors open and, in so doing, support what may be the only place to buy fresh food for miles.

According to a well-known study by economist Mark Zandi, “Expanding food stamps is the most effective way to prime the economy’s pump.” Every $1 of SNAP benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, translates to a $1.84 increase in gross domestic product. The money allotted through SNAP, since it is going to the families who need it most and has to be used on food, enters the local economy within a matter of weeks rather than being stashed away. Furthermore, USDA research has shown a positive benefit on rural employment when funding is increased.

Since the pandemic began, millions of additional dollars per month in SNAP funds have entered the state economy, helping businesses to get by. It is important to note that this money is not coming out of the state budget, aside from a share of administrative costs. Our federal tax dollars support this program no matter what. If we refuse the benefit, we do not save any money; we simply ensure that it is spent in other states and not in Nebraska. Given that the emergency SNAP expansion simplifies the application process for benefits, it is unlikely that even the minimal administrative cost would see any increase. In refusing these benefits, the state has left money that could help our neighbors sitting on the table.

The effects of this pandemic are far from over. Businesses are trying to make up for lost revenue this year, and substantial numbers of families are still struggling to afford enough food. The governor ought to join with our neighboring states in accepting these benefits, which will help ordinary Nebraskans who need it, without hurting the state’s bottom line.

Action alert: If you are a SNAP recipient or a food retailer and have a story to tell, we would love to hear from you. If you are willing to call the governor’s office or to write a letter to the editor of your local paper, that would be a great help, too. Please fill out this short form if you are interested in taking action or if you would like to stay up to date on food issues in Nebraska.

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Ayuda adicional disponible para agricultores en el nuevo Programa 2 de Asistencia Alimentaria por Coronavirus

Anna Johnson — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 20:34:45 +0000

Traducido por Carlos Barcenas

For an English version of this story, please click here.

El Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU. (USDA) abrió las solicitudes el 21 de septiembre para el nuevo Programa 2 de Asistencia Alimentaria por Coronavirus (CFAP 2). Este programa ofrece pagos a muchos agricultores y ganaderos por los impactos económicos causados por el coronavirus.

Muchos agricultores y ganaderos son elegibles para solicitar el CFAP 2. Esto incluye productores de pequeñas cantidades de ganado, así como de frutas y verduras.

Bajo CFAP 2, el método de cálculo de pagos ha cambiado. El programa clasifica los productos básicos en función de los impactos en el mercado que experimentaron, y las fórmulas de pago varían según el producto. Por ejemplo, el pago para muchos productores de ganado se basará en su inventario máximo entre el 16 de abril y el 31 de agosto, y la solicitud es muy simple. Alternativamente, para muchos productores de frutas y verduras, un pago se calculará multiplicando el valor de las ventas de 2019 por un nivel porcentual dado. La parte de las ventas de actividades de valor agregado, como la elaboración de mermelada de frutas, no es elegible para pago.

Los agricultores y ganaderos no necesitan proporcionar registros de ventas e inventario al presentar la solicitud, pero deben mantener esos registros durante tres años en caso de que su solicitud sea seleccionada para una revisión de seguimiento.

Los agricultores pueden recibir asistencia para presentar la solicitud en español llamando al 877.508.8364 y presionando 2 para hablar con un empleado que hable español. Los agricultores y ganaderos también pueden llamar a la oficina local de la Agencia de Servicios Agrícolas para presentar una solicitud; Los números de teléfono de las oficinas se encuentran en office.usda.gov. Visite farmer.gov/cfap para obtener más información sobre cómo solicitar en línea. Se aceptarán solicitudes hasta el 11 de diciembre.

Farm Policy›Farm and Food

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Weekly column

Additional aid available for farmers in new CFAP 2

Anna Johnson — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 20:12:57 +0000

Para la versión en español de esta historia, por favor oprima aqui.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) opened applications on Sept. 21 for the new Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2). This program will offer payments to farmers and ranchers who may have suffered economic impacts caused by the coronavirus.

Many farmers and ranchers are eligible to apply for CFAP 2. This includes row crop and livestock producers, as well as those who produce newly-eligible commodities such as broilers and eggs, additional specialty crops, and specialty livestock. Those who received support through the first CFAP program are also invited to apply.

Under CFAP 2 the method of calculating payments has changed. The program categorizes commodities based on market impacts they experienced, and payment formulas vary by commodity. For example, payment for many livestock producers will be based on their maximum inventory between April 16 and Aug. 31, and applying is very simple. Alternatively, for many fruit and vegetable producers, a payment will be calculated by multiplying the value of 2019 sales by a given percent level. The portion of sales from value-add activities is not eligible for payment.

Farmers and ranchers do not need to provide sales and inventory records when applying, but must keep those records for three years in case their application is selected for follow-up review.

Applications will be accepted until Dec. 11. Farmers and ranchers can call their local Farm Services Agency office to apply; office phone numbers are listed at offices.usda.gov. Visit farmers.gov/cfap to learn about applying online.

Farm Policy

Weekly column

Hurdles facing the local meat markets

Guest Writer — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:31:43 +0000

Click here to watch 'The Future of Local Meat Markets'

By Brady Oltmans
Published in The Crete News on Sept. 16, 2020

Speaking to an invisible audience on the other side of a computer screen, Nebraska State Senator Tom Brandt introduced himself as a Plymouth native and Tri County High School Class of 1978 graduate. He then recited his decades of experience in the meat industry.

Brandt and Blair Meat Market owner Kevin Barnhill were the two featured speakers at the Virtual Town Hall: The Future of Local Meat Markets, hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs on Sept. 10, and both spent the meeting's hour duration answering various questions related to local meat markets.

In the late 1960's, federal legislation was introduced that mandated state meat inspection regulations meet federal inspection standards. Nebraska representatives declared state standards redundant, so they were removed. Brandt and Barnhill said that decision has stumped inter-state sales of Nebraska-raised meat over 50 years later.

If a local buyer arrives for purchase, it's not guaranteed that a local locker has either the space or time in the schedule for slaughter. Brandt said the locker in Diller is completely booked until next summer and the Cordova Locker space is booked over a year in advance, partially as consumers shift their attention local in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

“There's lots of hurdles,” Barnhill said. “Some new, some not-so-new.”

Brandt said that due to Nebraska's quality of meat product, he sees a lot of potential in a growing processing industry in Nebraska. He's heard interest in funding an interim study at new state meat inspection standards to help local producers compete beyond current limitations. With no inter-state sales, local producers' product stays within Nebraska's 1.9 million people. That's kept Nebraska beef out of nearby profitable metro markets like Kansas City, Des Moines and Denver.

Part of the issue facing producers, Brandt and Barnhill agreed, was that the United States Department of Agriculture uses a one-size-fits-all mentality when applying inspections. The same USDA inspection procedure happens at large-scale operations as it does brick-and-mortar lockers.

“'The USDA preference is to not deal with small operations at all,” Brandt said.

Barnhill discussed how the current most profitable path forward for producers is to have a sale arranged before it goes to the locker because of the custom exemption. If that's the case, no state or federal inspection needs to occur because the slaughter happened post-sale. Otherwise, a federal inspector is needed on-site and, logistically, that's a burden for local lockers.

Brandt said that he'd be in favor of introducing a bill in the state legislature that mirrored other state initiatives to provide funding for inspections at local lockers. The issue with that, he said, would be that bill would require a revenue source before it's introduced on the unicameral floor.

The state senator also said that $100 million of Nebraska's share of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act could have gone to local lockers – similar to what Montana did with its allotment. That money, Brandt said, could have started four or five more lockers throughout Nebraska, which would have at least cleared some locker space for more local producers.

Brandt and Barnhill were asked why the cause of local meat lockers should be heard. Barnhill explained that it's the local and last line between customers and food scarcity. When the supply chain pinched in April because of closures at some massive meat production plants, the Blair Meat Market continued to offer cuts while major retailers like Walmart in Blair were sold out. Brandt told those listening to go to Walmart and simply look at the quality of the cut.

“We produce more finished red meat than anyone,” Brandt said. “Nebraska has the best beef in the world. Let everyone else eat the Walmart stuff.”

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Iowa State Sen. Wahls reflects on 2020 legislative session, rural resiliency

Teresa Hoffman — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 14:11:27 +0000

Click here to watch 'Rural Resiliency Forum with Iowa State Sen. Zach Wahls'

As Iowans continue to work through a year headlined by a global pandemic, racial justice, and most recently, a derecho that hit central and eastern portions of the state, the Center for Rural Affairs remains committed to talking about and providing resources to ensure a resilient future.

With in-person events canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, Policy Associate Cody Smith took to the internet for the Center’s most recent Rural Resiliency Forum last month.

Cody was joined by State Sen. Zach Wahls of Coralville, Iowa. The first-term Democrat said when he decided to run for the Iowa Senate in 2017, he never imagined that three years later, the country would be dealing with a once-in-a-century global pandemic.

He said it has been a learning experience for everyone.

“The experience as a state legislator has been one primarily of trying to stay on top of the news and stay up to date about what is happening in my district and across the state and trying to connect people with the resources they need and the information they need,” he said.

The state senator has also been part of discussions surrounding racial justice and said he was proud to play a role in getting “common sense police reforms” and other changes made before the Iowa Legislature adjourned for the year.

“But, I do think we do have a long, long way to go for our state, for our country before we can really say, I think honestly, that Black lives matter in America and that we’ve addressed these racial inequities that have been troubling America since before we were even formally the United States,” he said.

The hour-long forum also featured discussions on climate change, renewable energy, food system improvements, rural broadband, housing, soil health, and water quality.

Climate change discussion, clean energy investments need to continue

Addressing climate change, Sen. Wahls said the issue is real and the consequences are going to be very significant.

“But, the good news is that the significance of those consequences is up to us and what we do here in the next 5, 10, 15, 20 years,” he said.

Sen. Wahls believes there will be many opportunities for rural communities to play a role when it comes to renewable energy because there is the space needed for wind turbines and solar panels. He noted the state has seen major investments in solar energy the last couple of years in southeast Iowa.

“Obviously, we know that wind energy is a big part of Iowa’s present, and I think that sunshine powered solar is going to be a big part of our future going forward, just because you can’t grow more corn than anywhere else in the world without a whole lot of sunshine,” he said.

Clean energy has also been good for air quality and for jobs, Sen. Wahls said, adding there are a lot of good and high paying jobs in the renewable energy field.

Pandemic shines light on need for rural broadband improvements

Sen. Wahls said the state needs to move forward with improvements to rural broadband services. It’s one of the topics he plans to address during the 2021 session.

“Especially in the pandemic, we are seeing how important it is to have strong access to the internet for our rural communities,” he said.

In response to a question from a participant about what the Legislature can do to address the issue, Sen. Wahls said the cost to lay the fiber network remains high, therefore lawmakers need to figure out how they can pair state and federal dollars to assist companies who do that work.

At the same time, he said lawmakers and providers need to learn more about challenges Iowans are experiencing in accessing rural broadband services.

Continued education needed on soil, water quality

While he disagreed with some aspects of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Invest in Iowa Act, Sen. Wahls said he’d like to see the issue continue to move forward as he believes there is a need to address outdoor recreation and soil and water quality issues.

“At this point, it’s hard to say what it might look like in 2021,” he said.

Soil and water quality continue to be important issues, Sen. Wahls said, and he believes creating more economic incentives to get farmers to invest in conservation practices is a good idea, but continued education is key.

Recovering from economic hardship

Addressing a question from Cody about how the state can help rural communities recover from the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and be more resilient to unforeseen challenges in the future, Sen. Wahls reiterated the need to improve broadband in rural areas.

“Continued investments in rural broadband are going to be important because of the economic opportunity that that creates for new businesses to open up and consumers to be connected to their friends and family, access some of those health care services, especially through things telehealth, which again has taken on a whole new importance when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

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Special conservation funding announced for derecho-impacted operations

Kate Hansen — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:21:12 +0000

For producers who sustained damage during the Aug. 10 derecho, the Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced a funding opportunity to help restore conservation practices, with an application deadline of Oct. 2.

Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), $4 million in financial assistance is available to impacted farmers in the 42 counties included in the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. During this special sign up, eligible applicants will receive higher than normal EQIP practice payment rates.

Financial assistance is available for a number of practices, including seeding cover crops on impacted fields, replacing damaged high tunnel systems, roofs, roof runoff structures, and covers previously funded by NRCS. At their discretion and based on specific circumstances, state conservationists may also grant early start waivers.

Prior to tilling or harvesting derecho-impacted cropland, producers are also advised to review their conservation compliance plans, and contact their crop insurance agent as needed.

Applications are being accepted now. Interested producers should contact their local NRCS service center as soon as possible. To find your local service center, click here.

More information about this special EQIP signup period can be found here.

Farm Policy›Conservation

Weekly column

Managing stress on the farm or ranch

Kate Hansen — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 18:37:20 +0000

Farmers and ranchers are incredibly resilient. In many instances, they are used to addressing problems on their own, but there are some challenges we all can use a helping hand to get through.

As 2020 has shown us, some of the most stressful situations are those outside of our control. This year has been unprecedented in so many ways, including the many compounding stressors on producers. But, even before 2020, farm stress rates have been rising for a number of years.

This year started with low prices and bad markets, which was then met with a global pandemic and supply chain disruption. Add on extreme weather, from the drought to the derecho that impacted so many farmers in Iowa. Producers may be getting calls from their bank about a loan payment, or maybe their operation is under financial distress. The amount of stress on farmers and ranchers cannot be understated.

According to New York FarmNet, warning signs of farm stress might include:

Change in routines: Farmers or members of the farm family may change who attends a market, stop attending regular meetings or religious activities, drop out of other groups, or fail to stop at the local coffee shop or feed mill.
Decline in the care of domestic animals: Livestock or pets may not be cared for in the usual way.
Increase in illness: Farmers or farm family members may experience more upper respiratory illnesses (cold, flu) or other chronic conditions (aches, pains, persistent cough, migraines).
Increase in farm accidents: The risk of farm accidents increases with fatigue or loss of ability to concentrate. Children may be at risk if there isn’t alternative child care.
Decline in appearance of farmstead: The farm family no longer takes pride in the way farm buildings and grounds appear.
Decreased interest: Farmers or farm families may be less willing to commit to future activities, sign up for gatherings, or show interest in community events.

More information can be found here.

Experts encourage producers under stress to talk about it with friends, family, or a mental health professional. Other recommended strategies include deep breathing, self-talk, meditating, exercise, food, sleep, and connecting with people in your social network.

With all of the tools and machinery involved in agriculture, a producer’s mental wellness is the most important tool of all.

If you are a farmer dealing with stress, or are a loved one of someone who is, please consider reaching out to a trusted friend or family member, doctor, mental health professional, or any of the resources below. And most importantly, please take care.

If you are in immediate crisis

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800.273.8255

Helplines

Farm Aid Hotline
800.FARM.AID (800.327.6243) (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT)

Nebraska Rural Response Hotline
imneb.org/imn-programs/farming/rural-response-hotline/
800.464.0258

Your Life Iowa
855.581.8111 (call)
855.895.8398 (text)

Iowa Concern Hotline
800.447.1985

CommUnity Crisis Services
855.325.4296

Online resources

Farm Aid Farmer Resource Network

Farm Aid Resources for Farmers

Iowa Crisis Chat

National Farmers Union Farm Crisis Center

Resources for those with a loved one who might be experiencing stress

The National Farmers Union, Farm Credit, and American Farm Bureau Federation have partnered to present a Rural Resilience Online Course. Registration is free.

Mental Health First Aid training from Iowa State University Extension. Agribusiness professionals, advocates and commodity groups can use the registration code “ADVOCATE” to register for free.

Farm Policy›Farm and Food

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Staff spotlight: Nina brings organizational knowledge to northeast Nebraska

Liz Daehnke — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 12:30:56 +0000

Until almost a decade ago, Nina Lanuza had always lived in big cities. Then, she moved to Schuyler, Nebraska, and hasn’t looked back since.

“At this point in my life, I don’t think I will ever move back to an urban area,” she said. “Rural America offers a sense of community, unity, social relationships, and peace. The air is filled with birdsong in the mornings, and I know who is in my son's classroom or on his baseball team—those are all priceless to me.”

Her love of small-town America led Nina to the Center for Rural Affairs, where she recently joined the team as a community organizer.

“I love the work the Center does in rural communities, and I want to be part of that change,” she said. “I’m excited to work with people from all cultural backgrounds, living in the same geoographic area.”

Nina is no stranger to the work involved in the role of a community organizer. She has held paid and volunteer positions with nonprofit organizations across Nebraska for the last several years. She’s also worked with flood relief groups in her area, as well as with the response teams for the 2018 O'Neill immigration raid, 2019 Madison immigration raids, and the current COVID-19 response team in Schuyler.

Much of this work is similar to what Nina’s role with the Center involves. She serves northeast Nebraskans in their business development needs, as well as handles multilingual distribution of information to the region. Nina also assists community leaders with cultural competency, welcoming, and engaging immigrant communities, among other duties.

The community organizer enjoys not only working in her own rural community but also having the opportunity to work in small towns all around her.

“Rural areas are absolutely necessary for America to function,” said Nina. “Cities rely on rural areas to meet their demands for food, water, wood, raw materials, etc. That is why I believe it's important to work with rural communities to make a stronger system.”

When she isn’t working, Nina enjoys spending time with her family and their dog, going on road trips, and partaking in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, swimming, and baseball. She’s also passionate about politics, and is a strong advocate for social justice and women's empowerment.

Nina can be reached at her home office at 402.380.0785 or ninal@cfra.org.

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Grant funding available for producers looking to engage in on-farm research

Andrea Hartman — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 15:58:39 +0000

Farmers and ranchers in the North Central Region interested in exploring sustainable solutions to problems through on-farm research are encouraged to apply for a Farmer Rancher Grant through the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE).

Applications are being accepted for individual ($9,000 maximum), team of two ($18,000 maximum), or group ($27,000 maximum) grants for ideas initiated by farmers and ranchers. NCR-SARE expects to fund about 50 projects in the 12-state North Central Region. About $720,000 is available for this program.

Farmer Rancher Grants were created to assist producers who are protecting natural resources, enhancing communities, and boosting profitability. To date, the grants have funded a variety of projects, such as pest/disease management, crop and livestock production, education and outreach, networking, quality of life issues, marketing, soil quality, energy, and more. Projects should emphasize research or education.

In order to write a strong proposal, applicants should determine a clear project goal and explore previous research. It is recommended to contact NCR-SARE, local agriculture groups, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and/or Extension educators to share ideas and invite participation.

Proposals are due on Dec.3, at 4 p.m. CST. Questions about the program should be directed to Joan Benjamin, associate regional coordinator and Farmer Rancher Grant Program coordinator, at benjaminj@lincolnu.edu or 573.681.5545. NCR-SARE revises the calls for proposals each year, which means it is crucial to use the most recent call for proposals.

Additionally, each state in SARE's North Central Region has one or more state sustainable agriculture coordinators who can provide information and assistance to potential grant applicants. Interested applicants can find their coordinator online at: https://www.northcentralsare.org/State-Programs/State-Coordinators.

With support from a Farmer Rancher Grant, Nebraska farmers have been able to investigate the profitability of pollinator habitat with native plants. More information on the project can be found here. Producers looking to generate ideas for a project can look through previously funded Farmer Rancher grants - the database can be found here.

Farm Policy›Conservation

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Your View: Medicaid benefits at last

Trenton Buhr — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 20:57:46 +0000

Published in the Norfolk Daily News on Sept. 10, 2020

For most of us, the nearly two years that have passed since Nebraskans voted to expand Medicaid might be inconsequential. But, for 90,000 people stuck in the coverage gap the passing time has gone by without peace of mind.

To put it differently, about 1 in 20 Nebraskans could be covered by an expanded Medicaid program. They continue to wait without health care access. That means almost two years of no doctors appointments, no dental checkups, and no hospital visits unless it is an absolute emergency.

On Oct. 1, their wait will finally come to an end. When Nebraska voters approved Initiative 427 in the November 2018 general election, they likely didn’t expect implementation to take two years. But, that is the timeline set by Gov. Pete Ricketts and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

In that time, the Heritage Health Adult program, Nebraska’s unique version of Medicaid expansion, was created. But, unlike other states that have recently expanded their Medicaid programs, Nebraska is proposing to split the expanded Medicaid population into two coverage groups — basic and prime.

Under the basic package, enrollees will not receive dental, vision, or over-the-counter coverage. In order to receive prime benefits, individuals will need to complete a host of requirements, or “wellness activities.”

The prime coverage, however, won’t be available right away. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the federal government has not been able to approve the state’s plan as is required. Instead, everyone but those ages 19-20, pregnant, or medically frail will only have basic coverage.

Despite the setbacks, Nebraska will still see most of Medicaid expansions’s benefits take shape. At the very least, expanding is an incredible deal for the state. The federal government covers 90 percent of the cost. By the time most eligible individuals are enrolled, this will amount to nearly $480 million a year, while Nebraska will need to contribute an additional $65 million.

This massive influx of funding will pay dividends for Nebraska, with an expected $1.3 billion worth of increased economic activity in three years and support for 11,000 jobs annually.

In addition, having a more insured population will allow health care providers to accept patients and receive reimbursement for their care.

The implementation of Medicaid expansion may have come later than voters anticipated, but now that enrollment is here, we encourage eligible Nebraskans to contact their local DHHS office to apply. The healthier our state can be, the better and for some Nebraskans, expansion of the Medicaid program can mean a life or death difference.

Rural Health

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