Publications from the Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI)

Building on Assets and Mobilizing for Collective Action: Community Guide

John C. Allen et al. — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:27:36 PDT

This document focuses on the positive assets the community’s individuals, associations, institutions, and economy. Focusing on community problems conveys negative images of the community, and residents begin to accept these images as the only guide to the reality of their lives. Focusing on positive asset components will help build the community, giving residents hope and a positive vision for themselves. Most of this community guide publication is devoted to how community assets can be inventoried. Concludes with steps to developing an action plan.

Nebraska Rural Physician Satisfaction & Retention Survey: Appendix A: Survey (with Results)

Suzanne M. Minarick et al. — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:16:15 PDT

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 of data and resultant recommendations to medical schools, rural communities, and policymakers.

Nebraska Rural Physician Satisfaction & Retention Survey: Appendix A: Survey (with Results)

Suzanne M. Minarick et al. — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:11:35 PDT

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.

Animal Welfare: Perceptions of Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans: 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll Results

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:53:00 PDT

The manner in which food animals are produced, shipped and processed has been in the news lately. Specifically at question is whether or not current livestock practices adequately ensure the welfare of food animals. With a sizable animal agriculture production sector in the state of Nebraska, this is an important issue. How do rural Nebraskans feel about animal welfare issues? Do their opinions differ by age, education or their experience with livestock production?

This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions. This report details 2,490 responses to the 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll, the sixteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about animal welfare. For all questions, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc. Based on these analyses, some key findings emerged:

-Almost all rural Nebraskans recognize the importance of livestock and poultry production to the state’s economy.

-Most rural Nebraskans are familiar with livestock care practices. Many rural Nebraskans have experience raising beef cattle, poultry and swine. They have less experience with dairy production.

-Most rural Nebraskans believe animal welfare means providing adequate exercise, space and social activities for the animals in addition to food, water and shelter.

-Most rural Nebraskans trust livestock farmers, especially on family farms, and their veterinarians to care for their animals.

-Most rural Nebraskans believe that current regulation of the state’s livestock practices is adequate to ensure animal welfare. Persons with agriculture occupations are more likely than persons with different occupations to agree that current regulation of Nebraska livestock practices is adequate to ensure the welfare of food animals. Persons with agriculture occupations are more likely than persons with different occupations to disagree with the statement that more regulation of livestock practices is needed to ensure the welfare of food animals.

-Most rural Nebraskans believe regulation will impact the cost of food. Persons working in agriculture are more likely than persons with different occupations to believe regulation will impact food prices.

Community Life in Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: Current Perceptions and Future Strategies: 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll Results

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:48:51 PDT

Recent community level Census data show that most small communities in Nebraska experienced population decline since 2000. However, most of the larger communities experienced population growth during this same time period. Various economic development strategies could be employed by communities to grow their population and economies. Given these conditions, how do rural Nebraskans feel about their community? Are they satisfied with the services provided by their community? Are they planning to move from their community in the next year? Have these views changed over the past sixteen years? How do rural Nebraskans believe various economic development strategies would impact their community? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,490 responses to the 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll, the sixteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans' perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their community and economic development strategies. Trends for some of these questions are examined by comparing data from the fifteen previous polls to this year’s results. In addition, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc. Based on these analyses, some key findings emerged:

-By many different measures, rural Nebraskans are positive about their community. Many rural Nebraskans rate their community favorably on its social dimensions. Over one-half of rural Nebraskans say it would be difficult to leave their community. Most rural Nebraskans disagree that their community is powerless to control its future.

-Residents of smaller communities are more likely than residents of larger communities to rate their community favorably on its social dimensions and to have positive sentiments about their community. Persons living in or near smaller communities are more likely than persons living in or near larger communities to rate their community as friendly, trusting and supportive. Persons living in or near smaller communities are more likely than persons living in or near larger communities to say it would be difficult to leave their community.

-Residents of larger communities are more likely than residents of smaller communities to say their community has changed for the better during the past year and will be a better place to live ten years from now. Persons living in or near larger communities are more likely than persons living in or near smaller communities to say their community has changed for the better during the past year. Persons living in or near larger communities are more likely than persons living in or near smaller communities to say their community will be a better place to live ten years from now.

-Except for a few services that are largely unavailable in rural communities, rural Nebraskans are generally satisfied with basic community services and amenities.

-Few rural Nebraskans are planning to move from their community in the next year, but most of those who do plan to move expect to leave the state.

-Most rural Nebraskans believe strategies that assist small businesses and entrepreneurs would have a positive impact on their community.

Quality of Life in Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll Results

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:37:05 PDT

Nebraska appeared to survive the recent economic recession better than most other states. The state's unemployment rate has been one of the lowest in the nation in recent years. The agricultural economy has also been strong. Farm income levels reached record levels in 2010 and are expected to remain strong this year. Given the challenges and uncertainties of recent years, how do rural Nebraskans believe they are doing and how do they view their future? Have these views changed over the past sixteen years? How satisfied are they with various items that influence their well-being? How happy are rural Nebraskans? Do they believe they are entrepreneurial or leaders in various areas of their lives? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,490 responses to the 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll, the sixteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans' perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their individual well-being. Trends for some of the questions are examined by comparing data from the fifteen previous polls to this year's results. In addition, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc. Based on these analyses, some key findings emerged:

-Most rural Nebraskans believe they are better off than they were five years ago.

-Rural Nebraskans continue to be generally positive about their future.

-Most rural Nebraskans disagree that people are powerless to control their own lives.

-Following trends in previous years, rural Nebraskans are most satisfied with their marriage, family, friends, religion/spirituality and the outdoors. They continue to be less satisfied with job opportunities, current income level and financial security during retirement.

-Persons with the highest household incomes are more likely than persons with lower incomes to feel they are better off compared to five years ago, are better off compared to their parents when they were their age, and will be better off ten years from now.

-Persons with lower education levels are more likely than persons with more education to believe that people are powerless to control their own lives.

-The majority of younger persons are dissatisfied with their job opportunities.

-Most rural Nebraskans say they are very happy or fairly happy.

-Persons living in the Southeast region are more likely than persons living in other regions of the state to report being very happy.

-Most rural Nebraskans rate themselves as entrepreneurial.

-Persons living in or near smaller communities are more likely than persons living in or near larger communities to report being entrepreneurial.

-Most rural Nebraskans consider themselves a leader in their family and their work/career.

The Digital Age: Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans’ Use of Technology 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll Results

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:27:18 PDT

Over the past decade, people have increasingly used the Internet for shopping, social networking, government services, learning and education. Are rural Nebraskans using the Internet for these applications? What do they believe are the benefits and drawbacks of these applications? In addition, people are increasingly using mobile devices to connect to the Internet. Are rural Nebraskans using their cell phones to access the Internet? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,490 responses to the 2011 Nebraska Rural Poll, the sixteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about technology. For all questions, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc. Based on these analyses, some key findings emerged:

-Most rural Nebraskans use the Internet or email from home.

-Most rural Nebraskans have used the Internet for research, for health information, for purchasing a product, for watching a video and for social networking.

-Most rural Nebraskans have positive opinions about shopping online. However, most rural Nebraskans also have some concerns about shopping online.

-In general, rural Nebraskans have positive opinions about online learning and education. However, when asked about the quality of information found online, opinions were mixed.

-Most rural Nebraskans agree that the Internet is useful for researching online government services, downloading government forms and distributing information on public health, food safety, or national security issues. However, persons that have completed these transactions online have positive opinions about them.

-Most rural Nebraskans express positive sentiments about some aspects of online social networks – believing they are a good way to keep up with friends and family, they offer support to people who are isolated by geography or disability, and they can be a source of information and advice.

-Over 90 percent of rural Nebraskans have a cell phone and many use it to access the Internet.

-Persons living in or near larger communities, South Central region residents, persons with higher household incomes, younger persons, females, persons with higher education levels and persons with healthcare support or public safety occupations are the groups most likely to access the Internet with their cell phone.

Natural Resources in Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: Use and Priorities: 2012 Nebraska Rural Poll Results

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:12:41 PDT

Natural resources are vital to Nebraska’s economy and quality of life. Policies to protect these valuable natural resources – such as soil and water – ensure that they will be available for future generations. However, development of natural resources for economic gain must often be balanced with these policies. Developing such a compromise is often difficult. What barriers are preventing rural Nebraskans from recycling more? What collection methods are they using to recycle? How do they feel about some of the issues surrounding the Keystone XL pipeline? What priorities do rural Nebraskans give for various uses of land and natural resources? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,323 responses to the 2012 Nebraska Rural Poll, the seventeenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about various natural resources. Comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc. Based on these analyses, some key findings emerged:

-Many rural Nebraskans say they already recycle a lot and face no barriers. However, many rural Nebraskans cite lack of programs and difficulty getting materials to drop-off sites as barriers to recycling.

-Persons living in or near smaller communities are more likely than persons living in or near larger communities to say their community doesn’t offer recycling.

-Most rural Nebraskans say their community offers either curbside pickup or drop-off recycling for all of the materials listed with the exception of glass bottles.

-Most rural Nebraskans are in favor of building the Keystone XL pipeline, but think it should be built on an alternate route that avoids the Sandhills and Ogallala aquifer.

-Panhandle residents are more likely than residents of other regions of the state to agree that the pipeline should not be built at all because the environmental risks outweigh the economic benefits.

-Most rural Nebraskans rate water protection and conservation as well as production for community/local food systems as a high priority use of land or natural resources.

-Younger persons are more likely than older persons to rate production for community/local food systems as a high priority.

-Persons with occupations in agriculture are less likely than persons with different occupations to rate recreational activity and wildlife habitat as high priority uses of land or natural resources.

Quality of Life in Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: Perceptions of Well-Being and Church Life: 2012 Nebraska Rural Poll Results: A Research Report

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:01:41 PDT

Nebraska’s unemployment rate has been one of the lowest in the nation in recent years. The agricultural economy has also been strong with record levels of farm income in 2011. Given the challenges and uncertainties of recent years, how do rural Nebraskans believe they are doing and how do they view their future? Have these views changed over the past seventeen years? How satisfied are they with various items that influence their well-being? Most rural Nebraskans have also reported high satisfaction levels with their religion/spirituality in previous polls. How often do they attend church? How do they view their church? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,323 responses to the 2012 Nebraska Rural Poll, the seventeenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their individual well-being. Trends for some of the questions are examined by comparing data from the sixteen previous polls to this year’s results. In addition, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc. Based on these analyses, some key findings emerged:

-Most rural Nebraskans believe they are better off than they were five years ago.

-Rural Nebraskans continue to be generally positive about their future.

-Most rural Nebraskans disagree that people are powerless to control their own lives.

-Persons with lower education levels are more likely than persons with more education to believe that people are powerless to control their own lives.

-Most rural Nebraskans are members of a church and attend church at least once a month.

-Rural Nebraskans who attend church generally are positive about the future of their church.

Nebraska State and Federal Tax Issues: Opinions of Rural Nebraskans

John C. Allen et al. — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:56:48 PDT

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 view the following issues and questions:

• Do rural Nebraskans support or oppose the following alternatives to Nebraska=s current system of taxation and spending?

- The elimination of property tax as a revenue source.
- The reduction of property taxes (by approximately $400 million annually) by limiting property tax levies for local units of government.
- The freezing of local spending for three years beginning in 1997. - The reduction of property taxes by increasing income and/or sales taxes.
- The expansion of opportunities for gambling.

• Do rural Nebraskans support or oppose the following tax changes as a way of reducing the federal deficit?
- An increase in federal income tax paid by individuals.
- An increase in federal income tax paid by corporations.
- An increase in federal estate taxes.
- The establishment of a national sales tax.
-The establishment of a national value-added tax.

• Which, if any, of 14 federal programs would rural Nebraskans choose to spend less on to help reduce the federal deficit?

In the case of Nebraska’s taxation and spending issues, it is important to emphasize this poll was done in March of 1996. Since then, there has been a rapid increase in the amount and level of public discussion -- especially in terms of specific proposals that are on the November 5 election ballot. Whether the increased recent dialogue, discussion, and debate have changed the earlier views of those responding to this poll is unknown.

Key findings from the March poll include the following:

• Sixty-two percent of rural Nebraskans support limiting property tax levies for local units of government.

• Fifty-seven percent support freezing state and local spending levies for three years beginning in 1997.

• Fifty-six percent support reducing property taxes by increasing income and/or sales taxes.

• Fifty-one percent support elimination of property taxes as a revenue source.

• Thirty-seven percent support an expansion of gambling opportunities.

• A majority of rural Nebraskans support increasing the amount of federal income tax paid by corporations.

• A majority of rural Nebraskans oppose increases in the federal estate tax and federal income taxes paid by individuals.

• A majority of rural Nebraskans favor reduced spending on foreign aid, food stamps, the national endowment for the arts and humanities, aid to families with dependent children, and farm programs.

• A majority of rural Nebraskans oppose reductions in spending on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans compensation and pensions.

Life in Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: Perceptions of Well-Being and Acts of Care Giving

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:44:13 PST

Given the challenges and uncertainties of recent years, how do rural Nebraskans believe they are doing and how do they view their future? Have these views changed over the past fifteen years? How satisfied are they with various items that influence their well‐being? The aging population in nonmetropolitan Nebraska faces additional challenges to their quality of life and many rely on nearby social support systems to enable them to remain in rural areas. How many rural Nebraskans provide assistance to aging or ill relatives and neighbors? Do they live near their parents or grown children? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,797 responses to the 2010 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fifteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans= perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their individual well‐being. Trends for these questions are examined by comparing data from the fourteen previous polls to this year=s results. In addition, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc.

Living and Shopping in Nonmetropolitan Nebraska

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:40:46 PST

Recent community level Census data show that most small communities in Nebraska have experienced population decline since 2000. However, most larger communities have experienced population growth during this same time period. In addition, small rural communities in Nebraska have experienced a decline in retailing activity in the past few decades. The Internet has also impacted retail shopping behaviors, allowing customers to purchase goods and services online that they normally purchased from businesses in their community. Given these conditions, how do rural Nebraskans feel about their community? Are they satisfied with the services provided by their community? Are they planning to move from their community in the next year? Have these views changed over the past fifteen years? Are rural Nebraskans purchasing the majority of their households’ retail goods and services in their own community? How often do rural Nebraskans buy goods and services using the Internet? How have rural Nebraskans’ purchasing behaviors changed during the past ten years? Does their purchasing behavior differ depending on their region, age, income, or size of community? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,797 responses to the 2010 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fifteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans= perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their community and retail shopping. Trends for some of these questions are examined by comparing data from the fourteen previous polls to this year=s results. In addition, data from the retail shopping questions will be compared to data collected in 2000. For all questions, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc.

Views on Agriculture, Energy and Food in Nonmetropolitan Nebraska

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:37:43 PST

Agriculture has played and continues to play a critical role in Nebraska’s economy. However, the industry is currently facing changes in consumer preferences for food production along with increased demands for renewable energy production and environmental goods and services. Given these changing demands, how closely are rural Nebraskans connected to agriculture? What product attributes are important to them when food shopping? What preferences do they have for government support and incentives for producing energy from various sources? How do they feel about alternative energy sources and energy conservation? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,797 responses to the 2010 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fifteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans= perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about agriculture, food and energy. For all questions, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc.

Well-Being in Non-Metropolitan Nebraska: Perceptions of the Present and Views of the Future

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:34:25 PST

Nebraska has experienced the effects of the recent recession. 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 paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,852 responses to the 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fourteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their individual well-being. Trends for these questions are examined by comparing data from the thirteen previous polls to this year’s results. In addition, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc.

Effects of Recent Television Signal Changes on Rural Nebraskans

Rebecca Vogt et al. — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:30:54 PST

In mid-February 2009, some television stations in the country started broadcasting only in digital signal. All were required to switch to digital only signal this past June. This change did not affect households that currently receive their television signal from a cable or satellite TV provider, only those that receive their signal over-the-air through an antenna or rabbit ears. The 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll included questions related to television viewing, providing a picture of how rural Nebraskans prepared for this change and the effect this change has had on 2,852 randomly selected non-metropolitan Nebraskans. Not all television stations had made the digital conversion when this survey was in the field. Thus, the effects of the change in some areas of the state are not reflected in these results.

Working in Non-Metropolitan Nebraska

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:27:47 PST

Self employment is the fastest growing part of the rural economy. Given this, what types of jobs do rural Nebraska households have? How many rural Nebraskans derive income from self employment? Are rural Nebraskans self employed out of necessity or because of personal preferences? How many rural Nebraskans have health insurance? Who owns agricultural land in the state and what are their future plans for it? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,852 responses to the 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fourteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their employment. For all questions, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc.

Adapting to the Current Economic Climate in Non-Metropolitan Nebraska

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:24:35 PST

The national economy has faltered during the past year. While Nebraska’s economy has also faltered, it has not seen the level of job losses and mortgage foreclosures that have occurred in other parts of the country. Given these conditions, what do rural Nebraskans think about the current economic climate? How has their household been impacted during the past year? What changes have they made because of concerns about the economy? How concerned are they about financial matters? This paper provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,852 responses to the 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fourteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about the current economic climate. For all questions, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc.

Satisfaction with Community Life in Non- Metropolitan Nebraska

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:21:33 PST

Most of the smaller communities in rural Nebraska have experienced population decline since 2000 while most of the larger communities have experienced population growth. Most communities are also facing budget issues due to the economic recession. Given these conditions, 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? Do their perceptions differ by community size, the region in which they live, or their occupation?

This report details 2,852 responses to the 2009 Nebraska Rural Poll, the fourteenth 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 thirteen previous polls to this year’s results. For all questions, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc.

Perceptions of Well-Being and Personal Finances Among Rural Nebraskans

Rebecca J. Vogt et al. — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:17:04 PST

Nebraska has experienced slow economic growth recently. However, the state has also seen higher farm income this past year. 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 concerned are rural Nebraskans about their personal finances? This report provides a detailed analysis of these questions.

This report details 2,496 responses to the 2008 Nebraska Rural Poll, the thirteenth annual effort to understand rural Nebraskans’ perceptions. Respondents were asked a series of questions about their individual well-being. Trends for some of these questions are examined by comparing data from the twelve previous polls to this year’s results. For all questions, comparisons are made among different respondent subgroups, that is, comparisons by age, occupation, region, etc.

Television Signal Changes and Rural Nebraskans

Rebecca Vogt et al. — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:13:29 PST

Starting in mid-February 2009, all television stations in the country can only broadcast a digital signal. This change does not affect households that currently receive their television signal from a cable or satellite TV provider, only those that receive their signal over-the-air through an antenna or rabbit ears. The 2008 Nebraska Rural Poll included questions related to television viewing, providing a picture of the effect this change will have on 2,496 randomly selected nonmetropolitan Nebraskans.