The Center for Rural Affairs wants the Iowa Legislature to prioritize water quality and renewable energy in the new session. The group blames special-interest roadblocks for keeping the state from reaching its clean-energy potential. One priority is more funding for the 27 Watershed Management Authorities in Iowa. .
The Idaho Rural Partnership is among the state rural development councils still active more than 30 years after the program supporting the councils was funded in the 1990 Farm Bill. Jerry Miller, interim coordinator of the partnership, said the Idaho organization is made up of board members representing state, local, tribal and private interests. He explained the partnership provides reviews to identify areas in which communities need help. .
The cost of farmland has skyrocketed, putting the dream of working the land out of reach for many young farmers. In Ohio, land transfers between retiring landowners and aspiring farmers are seen as a solution to keep land affordable and out of the hands of developers. Sharon Maish and her husband own Meadow Farm and Preserve in Fayette County. .