Many rural communities in the USA are economically depressed due to declining employment opportunities. Some of the causes include increased agricultural mechanization and consolidation, declining manufacturing jobs, inability to attract high tech jobs, and declining mineral prices. Whatever the...

This paper addresses the possible components of a rural/community development Extension program. Issues such as subject matter selection, research base, and linkages with outside organizations are discussed. The role of rural/community development in an agricultural economics academic setting is...

New regulations have impacted landfill costs and changed solid waste management solutions. Communities must now decide between continued landfill operations and long-term uncertainties associated with contracted services. Preliminary cost analysis addresses these changes and demonstrates...

The full contribution of hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, etc to the rural economy often goes unrecognized. Quality health services are needed to attract businesses, and required for rural populations with a high proportion of elderly. This paper will share economic tools which can be used in any...

Many rural communities in the USA are economically depressed due to declining employment opportunities. Some of the causes include increased agricultural mechanization and consolidation, declining manufacturing jobs, inability to attract high tech jobs, and declining mineral prices. Whatever the...

In 1994, a large pork processing plant located in Texas County, Oklahoma. In addition, many ranchers built large pork confinement facilities. The county was sparsely populated with 16,320 residents. The largest community, Guymon, had a population of 8,350 residents. These activities have changed...

Rural areas across the U.S. are experiencing extremely tough economic times. As business layoffs continue, the economy of these rural communities will suffer more and more. One opportunity leaders in rural communities often overlook is health care. Rural leaders know the importance of medical...