Community and Social Capital 

Through a multi-faceted effort of extension outreach, teaching, and research, the Department of Agricultural Economics addresses important issues related to rural economies and communities. As part of its mission, the Department conducts programs that contribute to rural and community economic development.

While economic competitiveness of the state’s agricultural economy is very important, the Department recognizes that a host of other economic, environmental, and social issues are also fundamental to the future viability and sustainability of rural communities in Nebraska and beyond.

Issues which directly impact the future of our non-metropolitan areas include:
(1) rural out-migration and an aging population,
(2) workforce skills and employment opportunities,
(3) entrepreneurship and business retention and expansion,
(4) quality of and access to both public and private services and institutions,
(5) leadership and social capital enhancement,
(6) building on and protecting our rich environmental assets, and
(7) the ever-changing structure of agriculture and the associated challenges and opportunities.

Thus, the Department's efforts are eclectic in nature with undergraduate and graduate-level courses of study, ongoing research, and a quality extension program delivering applied programs to stakeholders.

The Center for Applied Rural Innovation is integral to the Department efforts as are key partnerships with other entities including The Nebraska Cooperative Development Center, and the Partnership for Rural Nebraska.

Faculty involved include:

David Aiken
Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel
Bruce Johnson
Gary Lynne
Karina Schoengold
Raymond Supalla
Amalia Yiannaka