rural economy

After three straight months of readings slightly above growth neutral, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index fell below the growth neutral threshold.  The March index slumped from 50.1 in February to a reading of 45.6 in March.  Despite...

“The outlook is bright, is hopeful," said Ag secretary Tom Vilsack at last week’s USDA Outlook Forum, telling those in attendance that agriculture is at a pivotal point of being able to make things much better for small and mid-sized producers and rural communities.   “The po...

Colfax Republican Joe Schmick says rural patients may not have a choice from where they get their prescription drugs, and he’s looking to change that.   He noted this past summer, the Washington Public Employee Benefit Board as well as the School Employee Benefit Board approved Kaiser Permanente as a health insurance provider.  He said ...

According to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, when it comes to crafting the new Farm Bill, the USDA’s role is one of advisory and providing information.  But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a wish list of his own.  First, he said it will be important all sides work together to get a Farm Bill done on time.    “It will be important and n...

What's being done to help rural economies grow and prosper.  And what more can be done?  Rod Bain has more.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com ...

USDA is investing $9.5 million to support the scale-up of sustainable bioproduct manufacturing in the U.S.  Three projects are getting funded through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Bioproduct Pilot Program.  The program presents an opportunity to spur economic activity in the nation’s rural areas while lowering commercialization risks associated with bringing biobased products to

USDA is out with its latest report that takes a look at the population and economic trends in rural America.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com ...

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...