Podcasts about rural communities

In this episode, Christian Milaster, MS, Founder and CEO of Ingenium Consulting Group, shares how thoughtful implementation, not just new technology, is critical to improving outcomes in rural health. He discusses CMS rural health transformation funding, digital health and AI trends, and why methodology and implementation science are essential to turning innovation into real impact.

Hold onto your hats — this episode is a wake-up call, a rallying cry for the soul of rural America. Senator Peter Welch of Vermont spills the truth bombs on agriculture, healthcare, trade, and the values that bind us all — forces that are threatened but must be fought for with passion, integrity, and boldness. If you're tired of the noise, ready for real solutions, and crave authentic voices, this episode is for you.In this episode:The real fights behind the farm bill and why it's more than just policy — it's about survival and dignity.How tariffs, trade wars, and market loss hurt farmers and rural communities — beyond political talking points.The erosion of core rural values like community, self-reliance, and tolerance — and why they matter to everyone.The crisis in rural healthcare and what it reveals about government failures.The dangerous politicization of justice, border enforcement, and immigration — and the urgent need for oversight and accountability.Practical solutions to fix broken systems — healthcare, labor, trade — rooted in respect and bipartisan action.A call to approach rural folks not as victims or subjects but as neighbors, allies, and innovators.Resources & Links:Farm Bill InsightsThe impact of tariffs on farmersHealthcare in Rural AmericaConnect with Senator  Welch:Senator Welch's official websiteSenator Welch on Bluesky (00:00) - Introduction to The Hot Dish (01:40) - The Farm Bill Debate (06:44) - Challenges Facing Rural America (12:30) - Healthcare in Rural Communities (19:19) - The Impact of Immigration Policies (24:15) - The Role of the Judiciary (32:06) - Conclusion and Reflections on Rural Values (39:45) - Mailbag + outro

Rural communities in America have a shortage of resources for mental health and substance use disorders. That shortage makes services provided by rural schools so important in the lives of students and families. Tania Reindl talks about the challenges and opportunities that working in rural communities presents. Tania is a Mental Health Navigator in a small, rural school district in Wisconsin. She has worked as a county social worker and has also worked with the Department of Corrections. More information about rural communities and mental health can be found at Rural Behavioral Health. The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin. More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!

Feliks Banel's guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Moira Nadal, Preservation Programs Director for the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. The Washington Trust is launching a new grant program called CPARC, which stands for "Coastal Preservation & Adaptation for Rural Communities." According to the Washington Trust website, CPARC "supports historic buildings and districts in rural communities looking to conduct renovations to combat coastal flooding." The application deadline is just a few days away - this coming Sunday, February 22, 2016 - but we wanted to learn more about what the Washington Trust is hoping to accomplish. CASCADE OF HISTORY spoke with Moira Nadal on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. More info about the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation's CPARC Grant Program: https://preservewa.org/programs/grants/cparc/ CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via flagship station SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms' quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle. Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes. "LIKE" the Cascade of History Facebook page and get updates and other stories throughout the week, and advance notice of live remote broadcasts taking place in your part of the Old Oregon Country.

Rural America has lost more than 10% of its family physicians since 2017, according to a report published late last year. What does that mean for patients and communities? On today's episode, host J. Carlisle Larsen speaks with Colleen Fogarty, M.D., the William Rocktaschel Professor and Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and lead author of the national study, about what the data reveals — and what happens when even one doctor leaves town. Next week, we listen to the second part of their conversation where they look at the forces driving this decline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Interview with Lauren Meyer, PhD, of Upstate, and Lauren Bavis of Syracuse University

Nebraska livestock sale barns function as both economic marketplaces and social gathering spaces for many producers. Marilyn Schlake and Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel from UNL's Center for Ag Profitability discuss new research looking at how sale barns play an important role in rural communities.

Many are familiar with the three-legged stool of Holistic Management made up of Economic, Social, and Environmental legs. While conventional agriculture by and large does a great job of focusing on the environmental and economic legs we can tend to neglect the social leg. Even if we focus on caring for our people it is easy to neglect our community. Today we are joined by Desi King and Bill Milton of Winnett ACES an organization focused on revitalizing rural Montana through facilitating education in regenerative agriculture and making improvements to rural social and cultural infrastructure.Sponsors:Wineglass RanchRelevant Links:WinnettAces.orgSouth Dakota Grasslands Initiative Summit

"

Nels farms corn and soybeans in Iowa, including seed beans for major companies, while running a diverse lineup of equipment and managing challenges like field fires, weather swings, and land access as a next-generation farmer. He shares what it was like returning to the family operation, starting on his own acres, and building a farm business one decision at a time.We also dive into:Why he started sharing farm life on social media in 2019How simple things like rain gauge updates connect farmers and non-farmers alikeWhat it's like raising kids who actively help on the farmLessons learned from Iowa Corn's I-LEAD program and international trade missionsWhy community involvement — fire department, PTO, Lions Club — still matters in rural AmericaThe reality of farming through tough seasons, including multiple field fires in one yearThis conversation is a reminder that farming isn't just about acres and yields — it's about people, perspective, and showing the real side of agriculture. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dr. Jenna Gibbs and Libby Ritchie join Lauren Lavin, host of the College of Public Health's student podcast at the University of Iowa, to explore the realities of pediatric agricultural injuries. They discuss why injuries remain the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1–44, how terminology like “incident” instead of “accident” helps shift the focus toward prevention, and what makes farm environments uniquely challenging for children. Grounded in both research and real farm experience, this episode offers realistic, culturally informed guidance to keep rural kids safe while still allowing them to grow, learn, and contribute. Episode ResourcesPediatric Agricultural Injuries: An Interview with Jenna Gibbs, Injury Prevention Research Center, College of Public HealthSafety Guidelines, Cultivate Safety“Accidents” vs Incidents Webpage, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute

In this episode of NorCal Champions for Kids, we're breaking new ground on a topic that matters for families, educators, and community champions across Northern California: Early Literacy in Rural Communities.We dive deep into provocative conversations and bold questions, the kind that make you rethink assumptions and spark action.Hot Take #1: “Book deserts hit rural communities harder than food deserts — but we talk about them less.”In cities and towns across the country, discussions about food deserts have dominated headlines and policy actions. But what about book deserts, places where families struggle to access books, reading materials, and literacy resources? We explore:Why book access is essential infrastructure for children's development.How limited access to books affects vocabulary growth, school readiness, and lifelong learning.What it means for rural counties like Shasta and Tehama — where long distances, few libraries, and limited bookstores create real barriers families face every day. Hot Take #2: “Home literacy matters more than preschool literacy in rural communities.”Formal preschool programs are vital, but what happens when they simply aren't accessible due to geography, cost, or capacity? In rural places, early literacy often starts at home. So should we rethink where and how we invest?We unpack:The case for parent coaching over classroom hours alone.The power of book distribution programs and in-home reading support.How home visiting programs can meet families where they are — literally and figuratively.Whether funding should pivot to support literacy strategies that work within rural realities, not just urban models. We also explore questions like:Is access to books a civil right?Can community champions step in where systems fall short?How can innovative programs create literacy ecosystems rooted in rural strengths rather than deficits?Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, or community supporter, this episode will give you new ways to think, and act, on early literacy for every child, everywhere. Tune in, join the conversation, and help us champion a future where every child in NorCal has the books, support, and opportunities they deserve.

Episode 502 takes you straight to the Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth at the AgriFest in Enid—where the smell of fresh bread and cinnamon rolls is basically a tractor beam for farmers. Dave Deken and Dr. Brian Arnall sit down with Kay County wheat producer Tom Cannon, now a new Oklahoma Wheat Commission board member, to pull back the curtain on what “checkoff dollars” actually do. Tom shares the producer-side view of how funds support wheat research (better varieties, better quality, better management), expand export demand (he notes about half of Oklahoma wheat is headed overseas), and build ag literacy through hands-on education.The conversation hits home on why wheat still matters in modern rotations—especially after drought and wind reminded everyone what bare ground can do. From no-till residue and moisture protection to the “wheat + cotton” tag-team, Tom makes the case that wheat is the foundational crop that holds systems (and small towns) together. And just for fun: you'll also hear about the “drone posse” concept—proof that Oklahoma agriculture is equal parts tradition, grit, and innovation.Top 10 takeawaysOklahoma winter wheat is a cornerstone crop economically and agronomically—and it still moves the needle statewide.Checkoff dollars are meant to act like a “marketing + research engine” for producers who are busy producing.Export market development is a major lever because a huge share of wheat demand is outside the local elevator.Producer education about checkoffs matters—refund requests signal a communication gap (Tom estimates ~6–8% refunded).Wheat's residue is “soil armor” in Oklahoma—helping reduce erosion, slow evaporation, and improve water capture.No-till isn't a set-it-and-forget-it system; it rewards deeper management—and wheat often anchors that system.Wheat and cotton can complement each other well in rotation, especially when you manage residue and planting windows.Research isn't just yield—quality traits (protein management, fiber work) protect demand and create new value opportunities.Wheat success ripples through rural economies: equipment, parts, groceries, schools—everyone feels good crop years.Leadership in ag often starts the same way: somebody asks you to step up… and you decide to say yes.Timestamped Rundown00:00–00:01 — Dave opens Episode 502; Oklahoma wheat scale and value context; tees up the topic.00:01–01:52 — Intro of Brian Arnall Ph.D.; episode recorded at the Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth at KNID AgriFest (Jan. 10, 2026).02:05–04:07 — On-location banter: the bread/cinnamon roll operation, on-site oven, “follow your nose” traffic pattern.04:10–05:23 — Call-back to Tom's earlier appearance (mental health); stigma fading; “it's okay to talk.”05:47–07:52 — Tom's path to the Wheat Commission board; why producer feedback matters; “their money” must be used wisely.07:52–11:59 — What the Commission does: promote wheat locally + worldwide; support OSU research; board debate + shared intent.12:01–13:35 — Export emphasis; Tom notes ~50% of production exported; “what would markets be without it?”13:35–16:52 — Research examples: nitrogen timing/protein, quality improvements, fiber-enriched wheat; surprise: refund requests (Tom estimates ~6–8%).17:07–17:55 — Why checkoffs exist: producers aren't “marketing departments,” commissions fill that role.18:00–21:25 — Wheat acres + rotations; drought lessons; wheat residue and soil protection; no-till adoption in Kay County.21:25–24:45 — Cotton + wheat synergy; residue realities; why wheat after cotton works; harvest/header/residue discussion.24:46–26:29 — Logistics: drill “following the picker,” gin/trucking systems to clear fields fast for planting.26:29–28:49 — “Drone posse” business model; co-op fleet idea; custom work potential (moving north during fungicide season).28:53–30:06 — Public-facing work: baking events, wheat quality promotion, school coloring books/education.30:06–33:47 — Wheat's ripple effect on rural towns (dealerships, stores, services); extra cents per bushel matters locally; OSU's role.34:17–35:58 — Upcoming advocacy: Wheat Day at the Capitol, Ag Day, DC visits; educating policymakers about food production.36:00–36:51 — Wrap-up and where to connect with the show. RedDirtAgronomy.com

A Transwoman's journey of hope, resilience & acceptance. A lived reality by Krystar, from the rural parts of Plumtree, Zimbabwe. Celebrating inclusion & empowerment of Transwomen in a rural community.Supported by:The Black Feminist Fund.The Nebula Pulsar Fund.The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund.

Missouri US Congressman Eric Burlison joined NewsTalk KZRG to discuss data centers in rural communities, reconciliation, and table rock lake. Join Ted, Steve, and Lucas for the KZRG Morning Newswatch!

The Great Wealth Transfer: What It Means for Rural Communitieswith Ben Winchester and Janel FredericksonOver the next two decades, America will see the largest transfer of wealth in history—and rural communities stand to gain or lose more than many realize. In this timely conversation, hosts Camille Walz (West Central Initiative) and Kristi Ackley (Growth By Design) sit down with rural sociologist Ben Winchester and estate attorney Janel Frederickson to break down what the Great Wealth Transfer really means for hometowns across Minnesota and beyond.✨ Inside this episode:• What the Great Wealth Transfer actually looks like in rural communities—and why the narrative is more hopeful than you might think• How nonprofits can position themselves as trusted partners in long-term giving• The role of community foundations, local relationships, and “place attachment” in capturing generational wealth• Practical steps for starting conversations about estate gifts (without feeling awkward)• How to engage younger generations through storytelling, values-based giving, and authentic community connection• Real-world strategies rural leaders can use to keep local wealth localWhether you're a nonprofit leader, community advocate, donor, or simply care about the future of small towns, this episode offers clear insights and actionable tools for ensuring rural places thrive for generations to come.

University of Georgia research shows farmers don't want help managing stress, they want help managing the financial pressures causing it.

In Humboldt County, a rural volunteer fire station is struggling to meet its community's needs. They're hoping a state budget allocation to expand Calfire staffing might offer some support, but nothing has materialized yet. Reporter: Katherine Monahan, KQED The Trump administration continues to drastically shrink the immigration courts in Northern California – leaving just a few judges to handle a massive backlog of cases. Reporter: Tyche Hendricks, KQED California transportation officials say they've paused a plan to resume issuing thousands of commercial driver's licenses, under federal pressure. Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 11, 2025 - This episode continues our celebration of the 2025 Cooperative Hall of Fame Inductees with a special conversation featuring honoree Lori Capouch, former Rural Development Director for the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC). Lori reflects on her career and shares lessons from her work in strengthening rural communities—ranging from sustaining grocery stores to expanding childcare and food access. Lori Capouch is a recently retired rural development professional who spent her career helping communities establish the businesses they envisioned. She most recently served as Rural Development Director for the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC), where she managed the Rural Electric and Telecommunications Development Center in Mandan, North Dakota. She also led the Rural Development Finance Corporation, a $9 million revolving loan fund that supports rural businesses, and previously directed the North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Commission, a state agency providing grants for high-risk startup ventures. Beyond her work with NDAREC, Lori provided contracted services to the North Dakota Rural Rehabilitation Corporation and the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education. She was also secretary/treasurer of the Dakotas America governing board, which invests New Market Tax Credits in economically distressed communities nationwide. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the North Dakota Consensus Council. Throughout her career, Lori's signature efforts focused on strengthening cooperative and nonprofit enterprises in North Dakota's rural communities, with a particular emphasis on improving food access, sustaining local grocery stores, expanding childcare, and advancing small-scale meat processing. Lori holds a BS in Business Management from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, and is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council.

In this week's AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Lori Boyer sit down with Alexandra Duarte, almond grower and candidate for California State Senate District 4, to discuss the challenges facing rural communities, water management, and the future of agriculture. Duarte shares her campaign vision, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure, state and federal collaboration, and empowering the next generation of farmers. The episode also features an interview with Leslie Hickle and Eamonn Keogh from Farm Sense, showcasing innovative AI-driven solutions for real-time pest management in orchards. Alexandra Duarte: Fighting for Rural Communities and Agriculture Alexandra Duarte has spent decades in agriculture and understands firsthand the pressures on California's farmers. On the campaign trail, she's heard consistent concerns from sheriffs, educators, and local business owners: high costs of water and energy, staffing shortages, and limited rural resources. Duarte argues that California doesn't have a water shortage, but rather a “Sacramento problem”, and she's committed to working with both state and federal agencies to solve these challenges. Duarte highlights her strong relationships in Washington, including ties through her husband, former Congressman John Duarte, as a key asset for navigating agricultural policy. She plans to prioritize water management, infrastructure, and natural resources in rural communities, ensuring funding from Sacramento benefits the Central Valley, not just coastal regions. She also stresses the importance of supporting young farmers, promoting agricultural education through FFA and 4-H programs, and encouraging more farmers and business leaders to step into political roles. Farm Sense: AI Technology for Smarter Farming Following the main interview, the show turns to innovation in the field with Leslie Hickle and Eamonn Keogh of Farm Sense. Their AI-powered sensors provide real-time data on orchard pests, including navel orangeworm and codling moth, enabling growers to optimize treatment timing and reduce chemical use. With pricing comparable to traditional sticky traps and environmentally conscious benefits like reduced CO2 emissions, Farm Sense is helping farmers save money, improve efficiency, and move toward more organic practices. Growers can monitor pest populations via mobile devices, customize treatments based on life stage analysis, and reduce unnecessary labor. Hickle and Keogh emphasize that technology like this is critical as farming evolves, particularly in the era of AI and automation. Looking Ahead: Agriculture, Automation, and Small Business The conversation also touches on the broader challenges facing farmers and small businesses, including labor shortages, minimum wage pressures, and automation. Duarte and the AgNet team highlight the need for ROI-focused solutions that help small farms remain competitive, while new technology and delivery trends are reshaping rural economies. They also explore the role of consumers in supporting small businesses over large corporations, emphasizing sustainability and local community impact. Call to Action: Learn more about Alexandra Duarte's campaign for State Senate District 4 by visiting her official website and connecting via social media. Learn more about Farm Sense and their AI-driven pest management solutions at farmsense.io.

Although Ireland's population is growing, rural areas have been experiencing consistent population loss. But with more than one-third of the country's population living in an area defined as ‘rural' some communities are taking action to keep their towns and villages thriving. Eithne Dodd reports.

In this episode of Home Health Revealed, hosts Hannah Vale and Joe Russell sit down with Lindsay Williams, founder of Four Pillars Hospice in Texas, for a truly powerful conversation on what it truly takes to open and grow a hospice agency today.  Lindsay shares her journey launching a hospice while navigating the realities of purchasing a location, serving rural communities across long distances, and building a team capable of wearing multiple hats. From salaries clinicians who balance care delivery with outreach, to the day to day decisions that shape a new agency's identity, Lindsay pulls back the curtain on the challenges and opportunities of building something meaningful.  This episode explores "the power of the pivot" when regulations, geography and resources don't align, how innovative staffing models can create stability and continuity, lessons learned from starting a hospice in rural Texas (and renting a jet to get from place to place). More than anything, this is a lesson about how flexibility, grit, and mission-driven leadership shape success.  Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed(00:00:32) - An Ohioan on the Issues(00:01:16) - Startup Four Pillars Hospice(00:04:00) - Hospice Care for Rural Communities(00:06:03) - Hospice: Utilizing the Community(00:07:15) - Hospice Care as a Rural Provider(00:12:48) - How Hospice Care is Collaborating(00:13:22) - Hospice CEO on Next Step(00:14:51) - Wonders of the World interview

Family farms are struggling to survive across America, with whole communities hanging in the balance. In today's episode, Chuck sits down with Brian Reisinger, author of "Land Rich, Cash Poor." They unpack the structural issues leading to the decline of farms and rural communities, as well as opportunities to rebuild resilience. Additional Show Notes "Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family's Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer" by Brian Reisinger Brian Reisinger (site) Chuck Marohn (Substack)   This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

The highly anticipated opening of Swedish furniture company IKEA in New Zealand this week comes as a rural community worries about the fire risk from pine planting. RNZ's reporter Alexa Cook reports from Tairawhiti Hawke's Bay.

SummaryIn this episode of AI in Action, hosts Maurie and Jim Beasley discuss the implications of artificial intelligence in education, particularly focusing on college admissions, the role of nonprofits in AI education, and the shifting perspectives on the value of college in the age of AI. They emphasize the importance of teaching skepticism towards AI, the need for practical applications of AI tools in education, and the necessity for rural communities to develop their own AI strategies. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes and the hosts' passion for improving education through technology.TakeawaysAI is being used to score college essays and tests.There is skepticism about the effectiveness of AI in education.Nonprofits play a crucial role in AI education initiatives.Many students believe that college is not worth the cost.Trade skills are becoming more valued than traditional college degrees.Teaching AI skepticism is essential for students' education.AI tools can enhance learning and teaching methods.Rural communities need tailored AI strategies for education.The conversation highlights the importance of practical AI applications.The hosts emphasize their commitment to improving education through AI.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal News02:06 AI in Education: Scoring Essays and Admissions04:52 Skepticism Towards AI Frameworks in Education07:16 The Value of College Education in the Age of AI10:52 Shifting Perspectives: Trade Skills vs. College Degrees14:42 Teaching AI Skepticism to Students18:19 AI in Decision Making and Library Book Vetting21:14 The Role of Nonprofits in AI Education24:48 Future Aspirations for Rural Communities and AI

In this episode of Growing Places, SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen sits down with Lorraine Polak, State Director for USDA-Rural Development. Listen is as the pair discusses improving infrastructure in rural South Dakota, USDA-RD efforts to bolster preparedness in rural communities, and how your community can get connected to resources.Visit USDA-RD on XLorraine's Hidden Gem: Lewis and Clark TrailsTyler's Hidden Gem: Grey Goose Social Club

A recent report from LSC's Rural Justice Task Force, “Justice Where We Live: Promising Practices from Rural Communities,” dives into a multitude of programs and approaches that address the biggest challenges to accessing civil justice in rural America. One issue is the scarcity of attorneys in rural areas, often called “legal deserts.” This episode highlights three programs working to create a pipeline of new rural lawyers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recent report from LSC's Rural Justice Task Force, “Justice Where We Live: Promising Practices from Rural Communities,” dives into a multitude of programs and approaches that address the biggest challenges to accessing civil justice in rural America. One issue is the scarcity of attorneys in rural areas, often called “legal deserts.” This episode highlights three programs working to create a pipeline of new rural lawyers.

What resources are available for individuals with disabilities and their families?  Rayna Sage from the Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities and Debe Fults of the disAbility Resource Center of the Rappahannock Area, Inc. joined RHV to discuss the connection between research in Montana and services in the Rappahannock Area. Resources: DARS – https://www.dars.virginia.gov/ NCIL https://ncil.org APRIL https://www.april-rural.org Virginia worker map: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/2a016b6993864cea81d912d20e9c7c3a State policy fact sheet: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/ruralinst_employment/50/ If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, join me and rural health advocates from around the country at the National Rural Health Association's Policy Institute February 10-12 in Washington, DC.

On today's show, we'll discuss a new study that finds rural cancer survivors in Arkansas are more likely to respond to surveys mailed or conducted over the phone. We'll also explore just how far the Ozarks extend beyond Missouri and Arkansas, and hear about some of the stunning images featured in The Momentary's new exhibit, "The Greatest Wildlife Photographs."

This episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast features Dr. Beatrix Haggard, an associate professor in Oklahoma State University's Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, whose teaching mission is to make sure students know what plant they're looking at—and how it works. Dr. Haggard walks us through her journey from FFA land judging in Texas to soil science at Tarleton State and LSU, to a regional soil fertility role in the Louisiana Delta, and finally to a teaching-heavy, tenure-track position at OSU. Along the way, she explains how those experiences shape how she teaches, from intro plant science to senior seminar, crop judging, and soil morphology.The crew also explores major shifts in today's student body and how they change the way agronomy is taught. They discuss students working full-time jobs while in school, the rise of pre-vet and ag business majors, the growing number of non-traditional and out-of-state students (from California to New York and Indiana), and why judging teams and hands-on greenhouse work are powerful ways to build confidence and real-world skills. If you care about who will be scouting your fields, writing your recs, and leading your ag businesses in 10–20 years, this episode is a great look at how OSU is training that next generation.Top 10 takeawaysTeaching-focused, tenure-track agronomy roles are rare—and powerful.Dr. Haggard holds an 85% teaching appointment at a land-grant university, which she describes as a “unicorn” compared to more common research-heavy roles. That lets her invest deeply in core plant and soil courses that hundreds of students pass through every year.Intro plant science at OSU is huge and foundational.Plant 1213 serves ~600 students a year, mostly freshmen, and often becomes their first exposure to plant science, agronomy and OSU's ag culture. What happens in that class heavily influences which majors students choose—and whether they ever consider crops or soils.College is about “learning how to learn,” not just memorizing content.Dr. Haggard uses her own career—soil scientist turned crop teacher—to show students that the real value of college is learning how to tackle new subjects and roles. If she can go from soil formation to crop growth stages on the job, they can pivot in their careers too.Judging teams teach life skills: travel, teamwork and resilience.Beyond plant and seed ID, crops and soils judging expose students to long trips, new regions and tight-quarters team dynamics. For some, it's their first time crossing the Mississippi River or even flying. Dr. Haggard jokes it's a successful trip if everyone is still talking on the way home.Today's students juggle far more than class.Many students work full time, commute home on weekends and carry heavy concurrent credit loads from high school. That changes how instructors design assignments and study expectations—“go to the library all weekend” doesn't match many students' realities anymore.OSU agronomy is no longer just rural Oklahoma farm kids.The department now attracts students from California, Oregon, Washington, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, New York and beyond, plus metro and suburban areas like Edmond and Oklahoma City. Many arrive with little or no farm background, which reshapes how faculty introduce basic equipment and practices.Ag majors are fluid—pre-vet and ag business are big destinations.Dr. Haggard sees many students start in animal science or pre-vet and then migrate to ag business, economics or plant/soil majors once they experience different classes and discover where their interests really lie. Flexibility in degree paths is key.Plain language and memory tricks matter in technical fields.Rather than keeping content “unattainable,” Dr. Haggard leans on layman's terms and memorable phrases like “all cats manage kittens ammonium naturally” to help students retain complex ideas such as the lyotropic series in soil chemistry. Those small tools make a big difference for freshmen.Extension and classroom teaching are two sides of the same coin.Josh points out that he loves teaching the same agronomic concepts to two very different audiences: landowners and consultants on the extension side, and students in the classroom. The goals and depth differ, but both are about helping people apply agronomy in real life.Stable, passionate teachers anchor a department.Brian notes how important it is for a department to have long-term, high-quality teachers in core classes. With Dr. Haggard and Dr. Abbott, OSU Plant and Soil Sciences has a consistent foundation for teaching the “fundamentals” to every student who comes through the program. Segment Timestamps00:00–02:00 – Opening & introductions02:00–06:30 – What Dr. Haggard teaches at OSU06:30–11:30 – Her path into soils and agronomy11:30–15:30 – First “real” job & learning crops on the fly15:30–19:30 – Why she loves teaching19:30–24:30 – Building a teaching-heavy career at a land-grant24:30–29:30 – How Josh and Beatrix coordinate teaching29:30–26:00 – Judging teams and what students gain26:00–33:30 – How students and learning have changed33:30–36:35 – Who OSU agronomy students are now & close RedDirtAgronomy.com

Health Calls Season 6, Episode 6 focuses on addressing food insecurity in rural communities. Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka welcome Lindsey Meyers, MBA, Vice President of Communications, PR, and Community Engagement at Avera Health. Lindsey shares how Avera's community health needs assessments revealed rising food insecurity across its largely rural footprint, prompting the creation of wellness pantries within clinics. These pantries provide emergency food supplies and connect patients to sustainable resources, complementing mobile food pantries and partnerships with Feeding South Dakota. Lindsey explains why food access is essential to whole-person care and how collaboration among clinicians, volunteers, and community partners drives success. The conversation highlights the program's rapid growth, its impact on patients, and underscores Catholic health care's commitment to meeting social determinants of health and evolving to serve community needs. Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeLearn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.

Open spaces, a sky full of stars, and sleepless nights seem to be ill-fitting partners when it comes to sleep issues in rural areas. On today's episode, we will look at some of the shortcomings associated with sleep care in rural areas as well as some of the unique issues many in those wide open spaces face when it comes to getting a good night's sleep.

Determine what would've been some well known common forms of 18th Century Colonial American Tavern Entertainment? Discover how one could best define what entertainment's meaning meant during the 17th & 18th Centuries. Agree if it's fair to say that tavern business owners in urban centers competed amongst one another for customers. Figure out whether dinners in most urban taverns followed English customs. Go behind the scenes and learn everything possible about multiple types of spaces in colonial taverns. Learn how the level of privacy a guest obtained depended heavily on their societal status. Understand exactly why 18th Century entertainment took place in a tavern versus someone's personal home. Discover if the key difference between urban & rural taverns lied in the variety, quality, including fanciness of food presentation. Get an understanding behind why drinking was the most popular of all tavern activity practices during the 18th Century. Learn what was considered to be the most widely popular distilled liquor in Britain's 13 North American Colonies as well as which beverage got regularly served at every tavern event. Learn the significance behind Sugar in Colonial American times. Agree if sleeping arrangements in taverns varied over time as well as from place to place. Discover in colonial times how it wasn't uncommon for multiple people to sleep in the same bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get a better way to stay informed at https://ground.news/winston and see through biased media. Subscribe through my link for 40% off unlimited access. In this episode of The Winston Marshall Show, I sit down with Allison Pearson, journalist and columnist at The Telegraph, for a revealing conversation about the collapse of Britain's asylum system, media bias, and the cultural denial gripping the political class.Allison exposes how caseworkers are being forced to grant asylum to known sex offenders and violent men, including those on the sex offenders register, due to loopholes in Britain's asylum laws. Drawing on her bombshell reporting, she explains how hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants have vanished into the system, how Home Office staff are incentivised to approve asylum claims without vetting, and how police and terror checks were suspended to meet political targets.We discuss the BBC's censorship and bias, the moral blindness of Britain's ruling elites, and what Allison calls the nation's “suicidal empathy” — a refusal to protect its own people out of fear of being called racist. From asylum hotels and rising community tensions to the far-centrism of the establishment, this is an unflinching look at how Britain lost control of its borders and what it will take to reclaim them.Check out Allison's podcast with Liam Halligan, Planet Normal here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVC4Y-6d5MVBccDib2wsOhXa-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To see more exclusive content and interviews consider subscribing to my substack here: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:Substack: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/X: https://twitter.com/mrwinmarshallInsta: https://www.instagram.com/winstonmarshallLinktree: https://linktr.ee/winstonmarshall----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:56 Shocking Revelations from Allison's investigation 03:49 Challenges in the Asylum System09:33 Automatic Asylum and Loopholes18:47 Historical Context and Broader Implications22:34 Impact on Rural Communities 43:22 Media Bias and the BBC 49:11 Far Centrism and Its Consequences 1:05:44 Allison's Social Media “offence”1:08:07 Legal Action and Broader Implications1:20:02 Impact of Public Speech and Legal Consequences1:22:45 Multiculturalism and Its Impact on Free Speech1:26:26 Historical Context and Legal Responses1:27:39 Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Tracy K. Smith served as Poet Laureate of the United States, she used her platform to bring people together. In 2018, she traveled the country for a series called American Conversations: Celebrating Poems in Rural Communities. At these events, she encouraged people to share their thoughts, regardless of their background. While Tracy’s two terms as poet laureate ended in 2019, she is still using poetry to build connections. Her new book is Fear Less: Poetry in Perilous Times. GUEST: Tracy K. Smith: Boylston Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory at Harvard. She served as the 22nd Poet Laureate of the United States from 2017 to 2019. Her 2011 collection Life on Mars won the Pulitzer Prize. Her latest book is Fear Less: Poetry in Perilous Times. You can find both of the poems Tracy reads on this episode, "Everybody's Autobiography" and "Charity," online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dirk Harkins says Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation saved his life. Now, he's working to ensure more rural Ohioans have access to the medical treatment.

On this special crossover episode, Dane Carlson joins Joe Barker on the Rural Strong Podcast to talk about Sitehunt, entrepreneurship, and the power of AI to help rural and small-community economic developers compete at scale. In this episode of Rural Strong, Joe and Dane explore how AI tools like Sitehunt automate site analysis, RFI responses, and data collection — giving small EDOs the same analytical firepower as their big-city counterparts. Dane shares his unlikely journey from early-2000s internet entrepreneur to chamber president in the Sierra Nevada foothills to Texas economic-development director to startup CEO. They discuss why feedback matters more than features, why execution beats ideas every time, and why even the smallest communities need a modern website, a plan, and the willingness to pivot. Dane also unpacks how child care, housing, and workforce shortages have become the new pillars of competitiveness, why AI is best thought of as a “dim-witted but persistent intern,” and how rural leaders can use technology to take back the information advantage from site selectors. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Treat AI as an intern, not an oracle. Feed it data and context to get useful answers. Launch before you're ready. Iterate in public and let real feedback drive improvement. Build a website that sells your community. Clear contact info and photos matter more than fancy graphics. Use LinkedIn as your industry newspaper. Learn from and connect with other EDOs daily. Start a local podcast. It's the best modern BRE tool and a non-threatening way to engage businesses. Plan but pivot. No plan survives first contact with reality; stay nimble. Address child care and housing head-on. They're workforce issues now, not social ones. Prioritize execution over ideas. A mediocre idea well executed beats a brilliant idea untried. Save cash for the long haul. Entrepreneurs fail more often from running out of runway than from bad concepts. Ask for feedback early and often. It's how both products and communities get better.

Pastor Jonathan Hall joins Stan Reeder and Nate Gilmore to discuss his ministry in rural, small-town churches. He shares insights from following long pastorates and introduces the "Dirt Roads Network." They explore its core values—missionary mindset, discernment, and being "rivers, not lakes"—and the vital role of small congregations.   https://www.dirtroadsnetwork.com/    To reach out to Jonathan, email him at dirtroads.nazz@gmail.com

Crime rates in Ohio's rural communities are often just as high as in the state's cities.

The Associated Press says reopened USDA offices are helping farmers access $3 billion in aid and key services.

Most crops were harvested, though immigration raids rattled some farm communities.

There have been calls for a review of the warnings issued ahead of last week's weather event which brought down hundreds of slips, closed dozens of central North Island roads, inundated farms and flooded homes. An orange warning was issued, but the Mayor of the Waitomo District and the Minister for Rural Communities are questioning whether that should have been uprgaded. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was in Waitomo.

We talk with Beth Macy about her new book "Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America."

“We don't do agricultural lending." That's the common phrase uttered across America, but why? Phil Love, the leader of Pactola, and Mark Ritter delve into the benefits of agricultural lending, how to approach it, and the advantages for lenders.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:✅ How agricultural lending empowers credit unions to support small businesses in farming communities.✅ The role of credit unions in providing operating lines of credit and real estate loans for sustainable local food production.✅ Key challenges and opportunities in agriculture lending, including navigating commodity markets and risk management.✅ How credit union agricultural lending strengthens rural communities and supports America's food supply.Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union's growth today.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Phil's role at Pactola, a credit union service organization focused on agricultural lending, and describes his farming activities, including harvesting honey06:48 Phil explains the three types of agricultural lending: real estate loans, equipment loans, and operating lines09:48 Discussion on how credit unions in rural communities can leverage credit union agricultural lending to support farming as community banks consolidate11:56 Phil outlines the challenges in agricultural lending, including assessing small business balance sheets, succession planning, and external risks such as commodity markets and weather17:45 Discussion of beef prices, carryover debt, the One Big Beautiful Bill, inflation, interest rates and oil pricesKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. Check out the Organ Transplant Surveillance Dashboard: https://tableau.hdw.hrsa.gov/t/HDW/views/AOOS-NonUseDashboard/AOOS-NonUseDashboard?%3Aembed=y Read the study on urban hospitals reclassifying as rural: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/urban-hospitals-increasingly-reclassified-as-rural News sources for this episode: Diane Eastabrook, “Home health groups press for a piece of rural health funding,” September 2, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/post-acute-care/mh-rural-health-transformation-fund-home-health/, Modern Healthcare. National Rural Health Association, “Rural Health Transformation Program Summary,” https://www.ruralhealth.us/nationalruralhealth/media/documents/advocacy/2025/rural-health-transformation-program-summary.pdf Lindsey Culli,  “Urban Hospitals Increasingly Reclassified as Rural, Drawing Medicare Benefits Meant for Rural Communities,” August 1, 2025, https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/urban-hospitals-increasingly-reclassified-as-rural, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Yang Wang et. al, “Sharp Rise In Urban Hospitals With Rural Status In Medicare, 2017-23,” August 4, 2025, https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/abs/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.00019?journalCode=hlthaff, Health Affairs.  Jamie Godwin et, al, “Medicare Advantage Enrollees Account for 25% of all Inpatient Hospital Days,” August 26, 2025, https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-enrollees-account-for-a-rising-share-of-inpatient-hospital-days/, Kaiser Family Foundation.  Arielle Zionts, “Rural Hospitals Questions Whether They Can Afford Medicare Advantage Contracts,” April 8, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/rural-hospitals-private-medicare-advantage-contracts-reimbursements/, KFF Health News.  Madeline Ashley, “20 hospital closures in 2025,” August 25, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/2-hospital-closures-in-2025/, Becker's Hospital Review.  Paige Twenter, “HHS expands oversight into organ transplant network,” August 29, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/patient-safety-outcomes/hhs-expands-oversight-into-organ-transplant-network/, Becker's Clinical Leadership. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “HHS Expands Oversight of Organ Transplant System with New Surveillance Tool,” August 27, 2025, https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hrsa-organ-allocation-dashboard.html.  Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

On this week's episode of The Rural Woman Podcast™, you'll meet Alexandra Brochu.Alex, a grain and flower farmher in Northern Alberta's Peace Country, runs a successful floral business alongside her farming operations. As part of The Northern Rural Chicks committee, she empowers women in agriculture through events, workshops, and markets focused on connection, health, and farming expertise.For full show notes, including links mentioned in the show, head over to wildrosefarmer.com/231 . . .THIS WEEK'S DISCUSSIONS:[05:36] - Farming Practices and Challenges[13:35] - Evolving Roles on the Farm[16:10] - Transitioning Roles on the Farm[21:43] - Transition Planning in Family Farming[28:10] - Community Impact and Support for Rural Women[35:31] - Planning Women's Events in Rural Communities. . .This week's episode is brought to you by Patreon . . .Let's get SocialFollow The Rural Woman Podcast on Social MediaInstagram | FacebookSign up to get email updatesJoin our private Facebook group, The Rural Woman Podcast Community Connect with Katelyn on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest. . .Support the ShowPatreon | PayPal | Become a Show SponsorLeave a Review on Apple Podcasts | Take the Listener SurveyScreenshot this episode and share it on your socials!Tag @TheRuralWomanPodcast + #TheRuralWomanPodcast. . .Meet the TeamAudio Editor | MixBär.Patreon Executive ProducersSarah R. | Happiness by The Acre. . .More with KatelynOne on One Podcast Consulting | Learn More

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Craig Calafati. Executive Vice President and Director of Lending for Arkansas Capital Corporation, a private nonprofit lending organization. Key Highlights:

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Craig Calafati. Executive Vice President and Director of Lending for Arkansas Capital Corporation, a private nonprofit lending organization. Key Highlights:

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson from Iowa's Second Congressional District and member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Select Committee on China, joined the Guy Benson Show today to discuss the Senate-passed recissions bill that will defund public media like NPR and PBS. Hinson discussed the passage of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" and the benefit that it will bring Iowans, and she also weighed in on the potential of an open Senate seat in the state of Iowa. Listen to the full interview below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices