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Marketing Hometown America

Marketing Hometown America empowers communities to create a vision to attract new residents. Designed as a tool to create dialogue that moves people toward action, the process can be the spark to help a rural community look at itself in a new way.

An older woman and a younger woman reviewing paperwork on a desk.

What is the Definition of Leadership?

What is the definition of leadership? If you asked 10 people this question you will probably get 10 different answers.

Producer analyzing and grading a cow.

Live Weight vs. Carcass Weight: Effect on Cost of Gain and Margin

More cattle each year are marketed using carcass weight to determine value, sometimes combined with grid premiums and discounts. Can we use the same assumptions for growth and cost of gain when marketing methods differ?

A husband and wife displaying fresh produce at a farmer's market stand.

Local Foods Legislation Introduced

Consumers who want to know more about where and how their food is raised are creating a bigger voice nationally. The increasing sales of local foods provides a bright spot for agriculture and a way to bring young farmers into agricultural production.

Co-workers having a discussion around a laptop.

First Class Group Dynamics for Boards

Even the best boards can go off track due to group dynamics. Learn some expert tips for establishing first-class group dynamics by understanding the strengths and personality styles of each board member.

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Grain Merchant and Processor Consolidation, Concentration, and Competition

A general trend in the last century has been for greater consolidation among Grain Merchants and Oilseed Millers and Processors. The U.S. Census Bureau tracks the number of firms and/or establishments and value of sales (market size) by industry sector every 5 years as a part of the Economic Census. In addition to the number of firms and sales, the Census Bureau publishes concentration ratios for each sector. One concentration ratio they publish is the amount of sales attributed to the four largest firms in that sector. The percentage of sales of the 4 largest firms is a measure that aids in identifying the type of market structure that exists.

Producer reviewing an aid application with a USDA FSA agent.

Livestock Loss Assistance Available

Has your operation experienced a sudden catastrophic loss of livestock due to weather? Financial assistance may be available through the USDA Livestock Indemnity Program.

Man in wheelchair.

Home Is Where Your Life Is Stable

When a tragic accident put Nick Remund in a wheelchair at age 30, his family was tasked with building a new accessible home to accommodate his new life. Learn about the challenges and victories they had during their journey.

Man pushing an older woman in wheel chair.

Home Care Providers for Home Modification

Many homes have features that make it difficult for home care providers to offer essential in-home services. Read some first-hand accounts of how home modifications made their jobs easier and more gratifying.

Rusty shed in a farmyard.

Home Is Where the Heart and History Are

When challenged with a degenerative nerve disorder, Gina and her husband worked with local contractors to modify their rural home to meet her accessibility needs. Learn how the project helped keep her in her family home for years to come.