Rural communities have been counted upon to feed, power, and build America. Our coverage will help you keep up with the latest economic trends shaping rural life and livelihoods. From jobs and workers to investment and development, we’ve got it covered.
The Daily Yonder’s coverage of rural economic issues, including workforce development and the future of work in rural America, is supported in part by Microsoft.
From Coal Mines to Classrooms and Beyond
Jim Adams always wanted a college degree, but “life happened.” After a 40-year career in coal mining, Adams fulfilled his dream when he graduated from the University of Kentucky.
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When Blue Collar Work Means More Energy for Art
In rural Southern Illinois, the available jobs are often difficult labor or service industry work. But for some, these conditions are perfect incubators for creativity.
Repairing the Pipeline for Rural Career and Technical Educators in Wyoming
Rural Wyoming is running out of Career and Technical educators, negatively affecting rural communities and economies. The University of Wyoming is partnering with local community colleges to prepare the next generation of CTE teachers.
Accidental Rancher: Shearer’s Dilemma
Shearing season in northwest South Dakota meets the post-industrial capitalism realities of American economy.
Across the Country, Amish Populations Are on the Rise
As the Amish population in America grows, Amish communities — and their rural neighbors — are finding ways to adapt.
What Happens When a Small Town Gets a TV Makeover?
It’s been called the “HGTV effect,” but there’s always more to the story than what the cameras capture for reality shows like “Home Town Takeover.”
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Stay up to speed on the latest rural economic trends.
Featured Contributor: Bill Bishop
Even More Economic Stories to Explore
Rural Population Grows for Second Consecutive Year
The Census’ most recent population estimates covering 2023 shows that rural counties gained population, primarily in counties that are close to metropolitan areas.
USDA Will Implement Long-Awaited Change to Country-of-Origin Labeling Rules
Starting in 2026, “Product of U.S.A.” labels will be allowed only on meat and poultry products made from animals that were “born, raised, and slaughtered within the United States.” Experts say it will significantly help U.S.-based producers’ bottom line.
‘Brain Gain’ in Rural America and Who Is Behind It
Young people leave their homes to explore and learn everywhere, not just in rural America. But rural spaces offer some unique advantages that inspire many to return and bolster their communities.
Immigrant Dairy Workers Often Endure Substandard Housing Conditions. The Law Doesn’t Protect Them.
Minnesota’s attorney general exposed conditions at one dairy farm where workers lacked heat and plumbing and dealt with mold in their homes. Housing like this is common on dairy farms, since dairy workers are excluded from many protections.
‘The Lifeblood of the Community’: States Invest to Save Rural Grocery Stores
Nebraska’s legislature is working on the new law would provide grants and loans for small grocers. In neighboring Kansas and Iowa, lawmakers have already introduced similar bills.
Manatee County’s Population Is Exploding. Will There Be Room Left for Rural?
Rural parts of this fast-growing Florida county have traditionally enjoyed elbow room and wildlife. Unrestrained development is threatening both.
Commentary: Setting Up a Successful Comeback
Leaving home to earn an advanced degree is one of the most powerful actions you can take to build out and strengthen your local community.
Oklahoma State University Program to Boost Online Retail Opportunities in Rural Areas
The Small Business Administration is funding the Oklahoma Rural E-Commerce Academy, which will focus on training and technical assistance for rural entrepreneurs.
Carbon Offsets Bring New Investment to Appalachia’s Coal Fields, But Most Appalachians Aren’t Benefitting
“Rentierism” in forestland management has brought millions of dollars to investors while circumventing local communities. Carbon offsets in Appalachia appear to follow the same blueprint, deepening rural communities’ mistrust of private-public partnerships in climate actions.
USDA Funded Program Works With Wool, Cotton Producers on Climate Smart Practices
Producers will be provided with technical assistance and direct payments related to drought resilience, improved soil health, and increased profitability.
With Limited Resources, One Small Town Plans for Climate Change
Among rural communities, Grants Pass, Oregon, has notched an unlikely win: a sustainability plan. But lack of dedicated staff and resources to secure federal grant funds threaten its success.
Commentary: FCC Commissioner – ‘We Can’t Afford to Lose the Affordable Connectivity Program’
More than 23 million households will lose support for their internet-service subscriptions if Congress allows the Affordable Connectivity Program to expire. The program’s demise will hurt more than just these families. It will damage the nation’s economic and technological progress.
New Black-Owned Freight Farm in Rural Minnesota to Tackle Food Insecurity, Health Inequities
The social enterprise Route 1 is going to operate a farm in a refurbished shipping container to offer healthy food options for local community members.
Switching Careers, and Curricula, in Rural Montana
Montana has responded with aggressive efforts to attract more adult students to healthcare and other in-demand fields, from construction to manufacturing. Yet the obstacles to training students in rural areas like the Bitterroot Valley are many.
Dude Ranches: An Outdoor Economy Based on Horses, Hats and Heritage
Dude ranching has been part of the American West for 150 years. Does the industry’s longevity offer clues about how newer recreational activities like rock climbing or snow sports can balance economic impact with conservation?
2021 Child-Tax-Credit Expansion Lowered Family Stress and Improved Mental Health
As the House of Representatives passed a new expansion of the Child Tax Credit, a study of the pandemic-era expansion shows the extra money reduced anxiety and depression among adults in low-income families.
A Country Music Legend Helps Revitalize a Small Town in Oklahoma
Reba McEntire’s “legacy project” has inspired new development in Atoka, brought hundreds of thousands of visitors, and has the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma reinvesting the revenue in “health services, education, housing, and other businesses” in the community.
How Will New Work Requirements for SNAP Benefits Affect Food Insecurity, Employment?
Changing who’s eligible for government food assistance programs has been a hot topic on Capitol Hill in recent times. West Virginia’s experience with more strict requirements illustrates the impact of these policies.
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