Latest news with #USDARuralDevelopment
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Town hall tour centers on agriculture in Mitchell visit
Jun. 12—MITCHELL — On Wednesday evening, Dakota Wesleyan University hosted a town hall that brought together fewer than 50 local farmers and community members for a focused conversation on the challenges facing South Dakota's agriculture sector. The event was part of a statewide series organized by Nikki Gronli, former USDA Rural Development state director and former vice chairperson of the South Dakota Democratic Party, and Julian Beaudion, a Democratic Party candidate for U.S. Senate, aimed at giving South Dakotans a platform to share their concerns. Previous town halls in Rapid City, Aberdeen, Vermillion, and Sioux Falls attracted larger crowds and allowed participants to raise a wide range of issues, including cuts to Medicaid, the Department of Education, and the impact of trade tariffs. For the Mitchell meeting, however, organizers decided to narrow the discussion to focus solely on agriculture, a vital part of South Dakota's economy and culture. "We decided to switch things up for this town hall," said Gronli. "Instead of letting people bring up any topic like before, we wanted to try focusing on just one issue and see what the response would be." Joining Gronli and Beaudion on the panel were Marcia Bunger, a farmer and former administrator at the USDA's Risk Management Agency under President Joe Biden, and Al Merrill, a third-generation farmer from Parker. The discussion covered key agricultural concerns including economic pressures, federal policies, labor shortages, and funding for research and innovation. Bunger opened by outlining the tough financial outlook for farmers this year. According to Bunger, corn prices have fallen below $4 per bushel and soybeans are under $10, while costs for seeds, fertilizer, and equipment remain high. Many farmers face losses ranging from $50 to $100 per acre on corn, with even greater losses on soybeans. "Farmers are not going to make any money this year," Bunger said bluntly. This economic pressure was not new, she said, recalling the 2017 trade war with China that sent corn prices tumbling below $3 per bushel. "Tariffs get placed on the backs of farmers every time there's political tension," she said. Labor shortages were also a key topic, especially regarding the reliance on immigrant workers for harvesting fruits, vegetables, and dairy production. Bunger described how immigration enforcement actions have disrupted farming communities. "When ICE shows up and just drags people away, it hurts the farms, and it hurts families," Bunger said. Merrill added that many immigrant workers are eager to work and are essential to the farm economy. Beaudion emphasized the interconnectedness of these issues. He pointed out that South Dakota farmers export nearly a billion dollars in products through West Coast ports, which also rely on immigrant labor. The panelists agreed that immigration is both a human and economic issue that requires bipartisan attention. One audience member suggested reviewing immigration policy every five years to adjust to changing needs. The group then turned to federal policy, focusing on the farm bill — a comprehensive piece of legislation that governs agricultural and food programs nationwide, typically renewed every five years. Since the 2018 farm bill has been extended twice, its uncertain future is causing concern among farmers. Gronli noted that some parts of the bill may be folded into a reconciliation act with a 2031 deadline, potentially creating confusion and overlap. Broader federal budget cuts also sparked discussion, including reductions to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and local food programs. Beaudion explained that a 10% cut to SNAP could increase monthly food expenses for South Dakota families by approximately $267. Joel Allen, director of the McGovern Center at DWU, raised questions about the McGovern-Dole Food for Education program, the largest school-based feeding initiative globally, which faces funding uncertainties. Gronli confirmed that many food assistance programs have seen reductions. "These cuts affect the children of the next generation," Beaudion said. Merrill suggested that farmers would likely support a universal school lunch program to help children and strengthen communities. Another concern raised was the potential loss of USDA staff, with up to 25% of the workforce expected to leave by September. Gronli warned this could mean a significant loss of institutional knowledge in rural areas. "That's institutional knowledge walking out the door, and many of these federal workers hold some of the best jobs in small rural communities," she said. Industry concentration in meat processing also came under scrutiny. Frank Kloucek, a farmer and former state legislator from Scotland, highlighted the growing foreign ownership of major companies like Smithfield and Tyson. He advocated for restoring country of origin labeling (COOL), which requires meat products to be labeled with their country of origin, helping consumers make informed choices and supporting local producers. Kloucek also called for stronger enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, a law designed to promote fair competition and protect farmers from unfair practices in livestock and meat markets. Bunger shared an example from the poultry industry, where farmers who invested heavily in building barns lost contracts and insurance coverage after avian flu outbreaks forced companies to remove birds. Because the farmers did not own the birds, they faced substantial debt without compensation. "That sent shivers down my spine thinking about what could happen to our pork producers," she said. The panel also emphasized the importance of agricultural research and disease prevention. Merrill stressed ongoing investment in protecting livestock from diseases like avian flu and foot-and-mouth disease is essential to safeguarding the food supply. Kloucek lamented that short-term budget cuts threaten long-term research projects. "If you're not in it for decades, you're not really in it," he said. As the evening concluded, Beaudion encouraged attendees to stay engaged and communicate with elected officials. "Don't talk about nonsense. Talk about the things that matter to South Dakotans," he said.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Jones County to host ribbon cutting on new EMS building
JONES COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Trenton in Jones County will be getting a new emergency medical services building this week. The USDA Rural Development State Director, Robert Hosford, will be at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Jones County's new emergency medical services on Thursday, May 29, to help celebrate the milestone. Rural Development helped construct the 3,480 square foot building by investing $1 million through a USDA Emergency Rural Healthcare Grant. The grant helped construct the new building as well as renovate the county's emergency operations center. The new EMS building will include two ambulance bays, bedrooms, offices, bathrooms, decontamination rooms, storage areas, kitchen and day room. The USDA Emergency Rural Healthcare Grant exists to help rural communities access health care in a long-term, sustainable way. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Churchill Stateside Group Highlights Strength of USDA Rural Development 538 Loan Program Amid Industry Changes
CLEARWATER, Fla., May 01, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the housing finance industry navigates governmental changes and shifting market dynamics, Churchill Stateside Group, LLC ("CSG"), a real estate and renewable energy financial services company, is reaffirming its strong support of the USDA Rural Development Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program, which remains fully operational and active for new business. With continued demand for quality housing in rural communities, the USDA RD 538 Loan Program offers a critical financing solution for developers — and CSG stands ready to deliver. CSG has been a leading participant in the USDA RD 538 program for over a decade. "In a time when many are uncertain about the direction of affordable housing programs, we want to make it clear: the USDA RD 538 Program is open for business — and so are we," said Keith Gloeckl, CEO of Churchill Stateside Group. "Churchill has a long-standing partnership with USDA Rural Development, and we're actively originating and closing loans through the program right now." Recent developments in the housing finance sector have raised questions about the status of government-supported loan programs. Churchill Stateside Group is pleased to highlight and clarify that the USDA RD 538 Program remains a viable and attractive option for affordable housing developers, particularly in underserved rural markets. The USDA RD 538 Program provides competitive terms with long-term low fixed rates, and supports the development, acquisition, and rehabilitation of affordable multifamily housing. CSG's dedicated team brings deep experience, industry relationships, and a streamlined process to help developers access these funds efficiently. "Our mission is to be a reliable source of capital for developers who are creating and preserving rural housing," added Dan Duda, Executive Vice President & National Director of Churchill Stateside Group. "The USDA RD 538 Program plays a vital role in this, and Churchill is proud to help lead the way." About Churchill Stateside Group Churchill Stateside Group and its wholly owned affiliates (CSG) serve the affordable housing and renewable energy industries. CSG sponsors tax credit equity investment funds for institutional investors and provides a variety of construction, permanent, and bond financing solutions. With over $6 Billion of assets under management, CSG has long-standing and successful investment relationships with numerous corporate investors. The company's investor and developer clients benefit from our experienced staff, prominent and proactive senior leadership, and attractive debt and equity platforms. The company, through its subsidiary Churchill Mortgage Investment LLC, is an approved USDA Rural Development and HUD/FHA MAP and LEAN lender and Ginnie Mae Issuer. For more information, visit or contact production@ View source version on Contacts Press Release ContactCarter DaignaultChurchill Stateside GroupMarketing@ 727-233-0614 Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
22-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
IRWA recognizes USDA Rural Development with 2025 Friend of Idaho Rural Water Award
BOISE, Idaho, April 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is proud to recognize the team at USDA Rural Development as the recipient of the 2025 Friend of Rural Water award. This award was presented to USDA Rural Development representatives Noe Ramirez, Western Idaho Area Director, and Noel LaRoque, Idaho State Director, at IRWA's annual Spring Conference Awards Banquet, held at Boise's Riverside Hotel on April 3, 2025. The Friend of Rural Water Award recognizes someone who provides outstanding service and exceptional contributions to further the goals of rural water in Idaho. USDA Rural Development was selected for the honor for their service, dedication, and excellence in their work for communities and public health. Since 2012, USDA Rural Development appropriated over $415 million in funding for drinking water and wastewater facilities in Idaho. Since 2020, the agency has obligated on average, 295% of the state's loan allocation and 328% of the state's grant allocation. 'Because of [USDA Rural Development]'s efforts, Idaho communities have been able to thrive and grow in ways that might never have been possible otherwise,' said Shelley Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of IRWA. 'Behind every dollar obligated and every project funded is a story of dedication, meticulous planning, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This team has shown us what it means to go above and beyond, to see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to deliver more for the people of Idaho.' Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is a non-profit association comprised of 370 water and wastewater utility systems in Idaho that primarily serve populations of 10,000 or less. IRWA's mission is to provide technical assistance, training, and a strong representative voice for the benefit of Idaho's drinking water and wastewater utility systems. For more information, visit NEWS SOURCE: Idaho Rural Water Association Keywords: Water and Waste and Recycling, Idaho Rural Water Association, drinking water, rural communities, utility management, state agencies, water, utility, government, environment, rural, communities, clean water, water resources, BOISE, Idaho This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Idaho Rural Water Association) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P125642 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
