Rural Economy
Rural America Grew Early in Pandemic, Mostly in Recreational Counties
Despite a spike in deaths from COVID-19 and fewer births, recent research suggests rural counties saw population growth during the first year of the pandemic. Remote work opportunities could have contributed to more people moving to scenic rural destinations.
Fertilizer Washes off Midwest Farm Fields and Taints Communities’ Drinking Water, Poisons Gulf of Mexico
As rainfall events become more intense and frequent, fertilizers applied to Midwestern farmland wash away, contaminating waterways near and far.
‘Highway to Hemp’: Waves of Fiber and Grain
South Bend Industrial Hemp, located at the outskirts of Great Bend, Kansas, is at the cutting edge of the emerging industrial hemp economy.
It Takes A Village to Reach Rural Broadband Fringe
U.S. Ignite broadband experiment finds a host in a tiny Missouri village.
‘Steward of the Land’: Missouri Farmer Foresees Successful 2021
A Missouri farmer keeps a wary eye on the unruly Missouri River as grain prices soar and federal subsidies flow.
Big Mood Swings Down on the Farm
A Purdue University study finds farmers are optimistic about 2020 harvest, thanks to a big crop, higher prices and government checks. But a Biden Presidency could change things.
Art House Extra | ‘The Disrupted’ Explores Working Life in America
“The Disrupted,” a new film by Sarah Colt Productions, shares the stories of three hardworking Americans struggling to make it economically.
Proposed ‘Agrihood’ Near Lawrence Would Tap Farming Roots
Douglas County has approved plans for an “agrihood” near Lawrence that would blend small-scale farming with housing.
Missouri River Town Struggles to Survive 2019 Flood
The flood of 2019 was devastating to Holt and Atchison counties, but the toll of high waters is still being felt.
Seeds of Despair: Hundreds of Farmers are Dying by Suicide
Mounting financial pressures, social isolation and a lack of access to mental-health care are contributing to a suicide crisis in rural America.