Nebraska IMPACT Project

Overview            Group Profiles

Overview

By working together, people can accomplish much more for themselves and their communities than working alone. Since 1994, the Nebraska IMPACT Project has helped Nebraska’s people work together towards a sustainable future. Across the state, farmers and ranchers, men and women, rural and urban, have come together to form groups that work to find local solutions to local problems. From farming practices to urban gardening, alternative livestock production to quality of life, IMPACT groups have been looking at problems in new ways, and finding solutions that are bringing real change.

The vision of the IMPACT Project is to inspire Nebraskans to build a healthy future for farms, ranches, communities and the environment. As a joint effort of the University of Nebraska, the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, and the Center for Rural Affairs, the IMPACT Project helps farmers, ranchers, and other community members to form small groups to address local needs. Groups identify their own goals and priorities for their farms and communities, and design projects to address their concerns. Group members learn from one another and give support to one another in new ideas and efforts on their farms and in their communities.

The IMPACT staff helps organize groups, supports a statewide IMPACT group network, and gives technical advice and support through the University of Nebraska and other agencies. Group projects have included educational activities, on-farm demonstration and research of production practices, community development activities, and leadership development. These projects are locally designed to support rural communities, protect human and environmental health, use resources efficiently, maintain agricultural productivity and profitability, and provide increased opportunities for rural residents.

Through 1999, 30 IMPACT groups have attracted many diverse people to work on common goals. The following profiles provide descriptions of these groups and their work.

Group Profiles

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