rural economy

Adoption of electric vehicles has been slower in rural areas than in urban ones, but a "rideshare" program in Oregon is allowing farmers to try out electric tractors.  The program is a partnership between a number of organizations and lets farmers test out electric tractors on their farms for free for several months if needed.  Bridget...

The USDA plans to announce projects receiving funding via the partnership for climate smart commodities program later this month.  Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said climate smart commodities will help revive rural communities in a variety of ways.   “...

Farmland prices and farm equipment sales declined in the August Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index.  The overall index fell for the fifth straight month, for August slumped to 44.0 from 46.0 in July.  The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing...

Senators Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Joni Ernst of Iowa introduced bipartisan legislation last week to protect and expand access to high-speed internet in rural communities and encourage rural broadband investment. The Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports Rural America Act would provide regulatory relief to rural telecommunications service providers by allowing them to submi

Last week, the Department of Agriculture and the Economic Development Administration unveiled a joint resource guide. The guide seeks to help community organizations access USDA and EDA resources to build strategies to boost economic development in rural America ...

Vice President of University Advancement Tim Seydel tells us about the roll EOU plays in the economic development of rural communities. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia... Read More ...

Fairs are a great way to spend a summer or fall afternoon, but according to a recent study, those fairs are also a big contributor to the local and state economy. A recent report, conducted by Seattle-based Community Attributes, found that at the end of 2021, Ag fairs generate almost $400 million annually ...

Earlier this week, Representative Dan Newhouse introduced the Rural Prosperity Act (H.R. 7019). The legislation would establish the Office of Rural Prosperity within the White House to coordinate rural economic development programs across government ...

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced an investment of more than $15 million to support building new and better markets for American ag and rural communities. “These critical research investments support the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of agriculture and rural communities,” said NIFA Director Carrie Castille. “Outcomes ...

In an effort to help and encourage entrepreneurs in rural portions of the state, Oregon Rural Development is out with a comprehensive resource guide. State Director Margi Hoffmann said navigating and accessing programs can feel like you’re navigating a complex maze. "T ...