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Fishbowls In The Field: Using Listening To Join Farmers, Ranchers, And Educations In Advancing Sustainable Agricultue, Elaine E. Cranford, Julie Kleinschmit

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

From 1992 to 2005, 586 research and development grants were awarded to farmers and ranchers in the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program’s North Central Region (NCR SARE). Two hundred were granted in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, alone. Farm/ranch research ideas for crop and animal production, processing, and marketing were innovations in their communities and regions. They were also relevant to farmers’ and ranchers’ day-to-day lives, questions to which they needed answers, in part because the information was not accessible through traditional agricultural education means.

These farmer/rancher researchers learned a great deal from their …

Moving To The Rural Great Plains Point Of Origin Differences In The Decision Making Process, Randolph L. Cantrell, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Bruce B. Johnson, Charlotte Narjes, Rebecca J. Vogt

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Census data demonstrate that the movement of population in the rural Great Plains is not one-way. People do indeed move into as well as out of the region. Past research has identified perceptions of the quality of life in rural areas as an important consideration in the decision to migrate to such areas. However, those studies have not segmented the population of migrants in such a way as to fully inform efforts to recruit new residents. Using data collected from a survey of new Nebraska Panhandle residents, this study describes the motivations of recent migrants from both metropolitan and non-metropolitan …

Perceptions Of Latin American Immigration Among Rural Nebraskans, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Miguel A. Carranza, Bruce B. Johnson, Alan J. Tomkins

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

In an earlier Nebraska Rural Poll report (August 2006), rural Nebraskans were asked their opinions of newcomers in general to their community. Some parts of rural Nebraska have seen significant growth of a specific group of newcomers, Latin American immigrants. How do rural Nebraskans view recent immigrants from Latin America? How do they view various immigration policies? Do their views differ by community size, the region in which they live, or their education level?

This report details 2,482 responses to the 2006 Nebraska Rural Poll, the eleventh annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions of current issues and conditions. Respondents …

Perceptions Of Well-Being Among Rural Nebraskans, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Alan J. Tomkins

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Nebraska’s economy has been relatively stable during the past year. However, some rural areas continue to be economically challenged. How do rural Nebraskans perceive their quality of life? Do their perceptions differ by community size, the region in which they live, or their occupation?

This report details 2,482 responses to the 2006 Nebraska Rural Poll, the eleventh annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions regarding their individual well-being. Trends for these questions are examined by comparing data from the ten previous polls to this year’s results. In addition, comparisons are made among different …

2006 Nebraska Rural Poll Results: Views Of Life In Nebraska’S Rural Communities, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Alan J. Tomkins

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Many rural communities have experienced population growth during the past decade. Communities can continue to attract new residents and maintain their current population by enhancing and promoting their amenities and services. How do rural Nebraskans feel about their community? Are they satisfied with the services provided? Are they planning to move from their community next year?

This report details 2,482 responses to the 2006 Nebraska Rural Poll, the eleventh annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their community. Trends for some of these questions are examined by comparing data from the ten …

Newcomers In Nebraska’S Rural Communities, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Alan Tomkins

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Population loss in rural Nebraska communities has been a concern, but many communities across the state have experienced population gains during the past decade. Are rural Nebraskans aware of new residents living in their community? How do they feel about their community’s new residents? What do they think will happen to their community’s population during the next ten years?

This report details 2,482 responses to the 2006 Nebraska Rural Poll, the eleventh annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about new residents in their community and their expectations regarding population growth in their …

Making A Living In Rural Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Alan J. Tomkins

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Nebraska has historically had a low unemployment rate but the state’s per capita income has also been below the national average. How are rural Nebraskans making a living? How many households have individuals with multiple jobs? Why do individuals hold multiple jobs? How important is agriculture to rural Nebraskans’ families, communities and the state?

This report details 2,482 responses to the 2006 Nebraska Rural Poll, the eleventh annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their jobs and their perceptions about the importance of agriculture in Nebraska. For all questions, comparisons are made …

Science-Based Organic Farming 2006: Toward Local And Secure Food Systems, Charles A. Francis, Katja Koehler-Cole, Twyla Hansen, Peter Skelton

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Organic farming includes growing food and fiber—animals, agronomic crops, horticultural fruits and vegetables, related products—as one dynamic and rapidly evolving component of our complex U.S. food system. Even as more farmers are moving toward organic certification and participation in an environmentally sound and economically lucrative market, questions arise about the long-term social impacts and sustainability of a set of practices that has gone from a movement to an industry. Consolidations in the organic trade have brought multinational corporations to the table, as they have observed a grassroots activity that has grown by 20% per year for the past two decades, …

2005 Nebraska Rural Poll Results: Well-Being In Rural Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Alan J. Tomkins

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Nebraska’s economy has begun to improve during recent years. How have these changes affected rural Nebraskans? How do rural Nebraskans perceive their quality of life? Do their perceptions differ by community size, the region in which they live, or their occupation? Who do they feel comfortable talking to about their personal problems? What factors are most important to rural Nebraskans when selecting a behavioral health service provider?

This report details 2,851 responses to the 2005 Nebraska Rural Poll, the tenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions regarding their individual well-being. Trends for …

Rural Nebraskans’ Support For Alternative Energy Sources, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Alan J. Tomkins

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Published by the Center for Applied Rural Innovation, University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Copyright © 1999 by J. Allen, R. Filkins, and S. Cordes. Alternative and renewable energy sources have been given increasing attention during the past few years. Many wind energy projects and ethanol plants have been started across the state. How do rural Nebraskans view alternative energy sources? Do they view them as beneficial to the state’s economy? Do they think more electricity should be generated from alternative energy sources? How often do they use ethanol blend fuel?

This report details 2,851 responses to the 2005 Nebraska Rural …

2005 Nebraska Rural Poll Results: Community Life And Housing In Rural Nebraska, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Alan J. Tomkins

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Many rural communities are experiencing population decline. However, rural residents have continued to show a strong attachment to their communities. How do rural Nebraskans feel about their community? Are they satisfied with the services provided? Do they own their home? What is the condition of their home?

This report details 2,851 responses to the 2005 Nebraska Rural Poll, the tenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their community and housing. Trends for some of these questions are examined by comparing data from the nine previous polls to this year’s results. For …

Rural Nebraska: Looking Back At A Decade Of Change And Progress, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell, Bruce B. Johnson, Alan J. Tomkins

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Nebraska Rural Poll, rural Nebraskans were asked about changes they may have experienced during the past ten years. Where have they lived during the past decade? In what types of business activities have they been involved? Have they received any education or training during that time period? What has been their experience with the Internet?

This report details 2,851 responses to the 2005 Nebraska Rural Poll, the tenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about changes they have experienced during the past ten years. For …

Science-Based Organic Farming 2005: Toward Local And Secure Food Systems, Charles A. Francis, Twyla Hansen, Peter Skelton

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Organic farming includes growing food and fiber — animals, agronomic crops, horticultural fruits and vegetables, related products — as one dynamic and rapidly evolving component of our complex U.S. food system. Even as more farmers are moving toward organic certification and participation in an environmentally sound and economically lucrative market, questions arise about the long-term social impacts and sustainability of a set of practices that has gone from a movement to an industry. Consolidations in the organic trade have brought multinational corporations to the table, as they have observed a grassroots activity that has grown by 20% per year for …

Quality Of Life In Rural Nebraska: Trends And Changes, John C. Allen, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Nebraska’s economy has begun to improve but the drought has continued to linger in some parts of the state. How have these changes affected rural Nebraskans? How do rural Nebraskans perceive their quality of life? Do their perceptions differ by community size, the region in which they live, or their occupation?

This report details 2,915 responses to the 2004 Nebraska Rural Poll, the ninth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions regarding their individual well-being. Trends for these questions are examined by comparing data from the eight previous polls to this year’s results. …

Living And Serving In Rural Nebraska, John C. Allen, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Published by the Center for Applied Rural Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Copyright © 2003 by J. Allen, R. Vogt, S. Cordes, and R. Cantrell. Many rural communities are experiencing population decline. However, rural residents have continued to show a strong attachment to their communities. How do rural Nebraskans feel about their community? Are they satisfied with the services provided? Have they served their community or county by holding a public office? Why or why not?

This report details 2,915 responses to the 2004 Nebraska Rural Poll, the ninth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series …

Access And Affordability: Rural Nebraskans’ View Of Health Care, John C. Allen, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

The availability, cost and quality of health care services are important issues to rural Nebraskans. How available are these services and how satisfied are they with them? Do they have health insurance? Have they experienced any medical hardships during the past year?

This report details 2,915 responses to the 2004 Nebraska Rural Poll, the ninth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about health care services. For all questions, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, i.e., comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc. Based on these analyses, some key findings emerged:

• The …

Science-Based Organic Farming: A Resource For Educators, Charles A. Francis, Mindi Schneider, Brad Kindler

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Organic farming is an important and growing part of the United States food system. The organic sector has grown by at least 20% per year for the past two decades, and currently shows no indication of slowing in this growth. There is increasing consumer concern about where and how food is produced, and people want to be assured access to safe and healthy food products. Interest and concern about food security, and discussion about the merits of a local food system as compared to the vulnerable globalized marketplace are also becoming increasingly important. In Nebraska we have only limited local …

Nebraska’S Water: Perceptions And Priorities, John C. Allen, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Water has always been an important resource to rural Nebraska. This resource has become more scarce during the last few years amid a continuing drought throughout many counties of the state. Do rural Nebraskans feel the drought is over in their area? What priority do they place on various uses of water? Do they feel the quality or quantity of their household water supply has changed during the past ten years? If so, what has affected it?

This report details 2,915 responses to the 2004 Nebraska Rural Poll, the ninth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked …

Working Together: Rural Nebraskans’ Views Of Regional Collaboration, John C. Allen, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Some people support regional collaboration because they believe it better enables communities to increase the region’s economic vitality and quality of life. However, others worry that such collaboration threatens individual communities’ identities and limits citizens’ access to services. How do rural Nebraskans view regional collaboration? Do they support combining certain services with neighboring communities or counties more than others? Are they already purchasing their goods and services outside their local community?

This report details 3,087 responses to the 2003 Nebraska Rural Poll, the eighth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about regional …

Rural Nebraskans' Opinions On Raising Taxes To Fund Education And Public Aid, John C. Allen, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

The state legislature has been debating several approaches to solve the shortage of money for the state budget. They have passed various tax increases as well as made reductions in the level of services provided. What do rural Nebraskans support doing to solve the budget issue for state aid, higher education and public aid? Which goods and services do they favor imposing the sales tax on? Do their opinions differ based on the size of their community or their age?

This report details 3,087 responses to the 2003 Nebraska Rural Poll, the eighth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. …

Individual And Community Well-Being: Perceptions Of Change In Rural Nebraska, John C. Allen, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Nebraska’s economy has continued to struggle during the past year. In addition, many rural communities are experiencing population decline. How have these changes affected rural Nebraskans? How do rural Nebraskans perceive their quality of life? Do their perceptions differ by community size, the region in which they live, or their occupation? How do they feel about their community? Are they planning to move from their community in the next year?

This report details 3,087 responses to the 2003 Nebraska Rural Poll, the eighth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions regarding their individual …

Nebraska Rural Physician Satisfaction & Retention Survey: Appendix A: Survey (With Results), Suzanne M. Minarick, John C. Allen

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Abstract of accompanying report: This paper examines the factors that influence the satisfaction and retention of family and general practice physicians in Nebraska's 87 non-metropolitan counties. Extensive research has previously been done in the area of rural physician recruitment. This research project compares the existing research with current trends in physician recruitment. In addition, it provides further insight into the less-thoroughly studied area of rural physician retention.

Satisfaction with practice-related and lifestyle factors is measured and compared with the level of influence of those same factors in the initial practice selection decision. Demographic characteristics are also considered in the analysis …

Perceptions Of Safety And Crime In Rural Nebraska, John C. Allen, Rebecca J. Vogt, Randolph L. Cantrell

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

There is a common perception that rural areas are generally safer compared to urban areas. However, many changes are occurring in rural Nebraska. Increased media attention has been given to methamphetamine use in rural areas of the state. Given all that, how safe do rural Nebraskans feel? Do they believe crime has increased in their community? Do their opinions differ by their region, size of their community or their occupation?

This report details 3,087 responses to the 2003 Nebraska Rural Poll, the eighth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about personal safety. …

Nebraska Rural Physician Satisfaction & Retention Survey: Appendix A: Survey (With Results), Suzanne M. Minarick, John C. Allen

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

This paper examines the factors that influence the satisfaction and retention of family and general practice physicians in Nebraska’s 87 non-metropolitan counties. Extensive research has previously been done in the area of rural physician recruitment. This research project compares the existing research with current trends in physician recruitment. In addition, it provides further insight into the less-thoroughly studied area of rural physician retention.

Satisfaction with practice-related and lifestyle factors is measured and compared with the level of influence of those same factors in the initial practice selection decision. Demographic characteristics are also considered in the analysis of data and resultant …

Relationship Between Community Satisfaction And Migration Intentions Of Rural Nebraskans, Rebecca J. Vogt, John C. Allen, Sam Cordes

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Though many non-metropolitan counties in the United States experienced population gains in the 1990's, many of the non-metropolitan counties in the Great Plains continued to experience population declines. Thus, the reasons that people are moving need to be explored. This paper examines possible reasons by analyzing the relationship between community satisfaction and migration intentions of non-metropolitan Nebraskans. Data used for this analysis were from an annual survey mailed to 7,000 residents living in non-metropolitan counties in the state. The survey data were analyzed at two levels. First, demographic comparisons were made between those who planned to stay in their communities …

Moving Toward The Digital Age: Changes In Rural Nebraskans' Use Of Technology, John C. Allen, Rebecca J. Vogt, Sam Cordes, Randolph L. Cantrell

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

The use of telecommunications technologies nationwide has increased dramatically during the past five years. New applications are constantly being developed and implemented. How has rural Nebraskans’ use of telecommunications changed over the past five years? Does use of technology differ by age, income, and education?

This report details 2,841 responses to the 2002 Nebraska Rural Poll, the seventh annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a question regarding their use of some telecommunications technologies or applications. Trends for this question are examined by comparing data from this year to the 1997 study. In addition, comparisons are made …

Attributes Of A Successful Community: Responses From Rural Nebraskans, John C. Allen, Rebecca J. Vogt, Sam Cordes, Randolph L. Cantrell

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Many rural communities have experienced population declines during the past several decades. However, rural communities have also been typically viewed as having many positive characteristics. So, what do rural Nebraskans look for in a community? What characteristics are present in their current community? How do they perceive rural Nebraska as a whole? Do their perceptions differ by the size of their community or their age?

This report details 2,841 responses to the 2002 Nebraska Rural Poll, the seventh annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about successful rural communities and their perceptions of …

Investing In The Future Of Nebraska’S Rural Communities, John C. Allen, Rebecca J. Vogt, Sam Cordes, Randolph L. Cantrell

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Many rural communities have experienced population and economic declines during the past decade. In addition, many have an aging population that leaves them struggling to remain viable. However, new technological improvements offer the potential for business growth in these areas. Given these changes, how do rural Nebraskans feel about their community? Are they planning to move from their community in the next year? Are they investing their time and money in their community?

This report details 2,841 responses to the 2002 Nebraska Rural Poll, the seventh annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions …

Quality Of Life In Rural Nebraska: Trends And Changes, John C. Allen, Rebecca J. Vogt, Sam Cordes

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Nebraska’s economy has experienced slowing growth rates this past year. However, it did not experience a downturn. How have these changes affected rural Nebraskans? How do rural Nebraskans perceive their quality of life? Do their perceptions differ by community size, the region in which they live, or their occupation?

This report details 2,841 responses to the 2002 Nebraska Rural Poll, the seventh annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions regarding their general well-being as well as their satisfaction with specific aspects of well-being. Trends for the well-being questions are examined by comparing data …

Nebraskan Work Patterns And Available Benefits, John C. Allen, Sam Cordes, Amy M. Smith, Matt Spilker, Amber Hamilton

Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

This working paper presents findings from the first annual Nebraska Rural Poll. The study is based on 2,754 responses from households in the 87 nonmetropolitan counties in the state. The objectives of this paper are to provide information on how rural Nebraskans provide household income, the employment patterns they have and, what benefit packages they have or don’t have. The question of whether benefit packages are employer provided or are provides by other sources was also addressed. The specific questions include:
What percent of rural Nebraskans have employment?
Is the employment.....
Full-time with no other employment?
Full-time with an additional …