Rural Communities

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently awarded $51,517 to Butte Local Development and Headwaters RC&D to assist area rural businesses.

To learn more about the grant program, Montana USDA Rural Development staff will host an online RBDG workshop via Zoom from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Wi-Fi woes are even worse during coronavirus pandemic, and only some of us can do anything about it. – How access is not created equally.

“Of the 21 million Americans who lack high-speed broadband internet access, 80% are in rural areas and on tribal lands.”

The Farms of the Future Hinge on High-Speed Internet

During a recent National Telecommunications and Information Administration webinar, experts dissected the economic potential of and roadblocks to precision agriculture technology in rural America.

The Case for Making Virtual Public Meetings Permanent

They can’t completely replace in-person meetings, but conducting more public business online reduces costs, gives more people a voice and cuts down on disruption. It also can lead to better policy.

Farmers using technology to inspire the next generation

Farmers are realizing the next generation needs to know how to use the latest and greatest tech tools.

Our students can’t wait any longer. We must bring the internet to everyone

The coronavirus pandemic has revealed the depths of the digital divide in this country. It’s time for lawmakers to step up and provide broadband to all families.

As community volunteers age on Montana’s Hi-Line, transition planning becomes key

As longtime volunteers grow older, many want to take a step back to allow for more travel and leisure time. What will volunteer organizations do to fill the void, and how can we keep older volunteers active? Many communities are struggling to find an answer.

America’s Moral Obligation for Universal Broadband

Too little progress has been made to ensure that high-speed Internet is available to all. As the pandemic has demonstrated, far too many still don’t have what they need to function in a virtual world.

Homegrown – How small, community-based processors are building a more resilient Montana food system.

On the ladder of Montana food processors, small private enterprises are the first rung, and community-based facilities like Mission Mountain are on the second step. The difference is that on the second tier, the “business model is as much about building community as it is about building a strong business,” said food systems analyst Ken Meter. 

Postal Polemic: How a ‘Lifeline to Rural America’ Became the Center of a Federal Frenzy

“I can retire anytime,” he said. “But my one last fight is to save the post office itself.”

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Bear Paw Development Corporation is a private non-profit organization created for the purpose of administering programs to help improve regional economic conditions in Hill, Blaine, Liberty, Chouteau and Phillips Counties and the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy's Indian Reservations.

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As the hub of learning, creativity and innovation in Northwest Montana, Flathead Valley Community College is expanding

Prospera helps businesses and communities find their pathway to success, acting as the navigator, problem solver and catalyst for a strong Montana economy.

Bozeman is a rapidly growing city with a high quality of life in part due to the easy access to the outdoors, burgeoning tech industry, and cultural experiences it offers.