The Cocklebur

The Cocklebur

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What Drives the Rural Economy #2? Here's Where Manufacturing is a Major Player.
From grinding burger to sawing logs to building air conditioners and furnaces, factories are the key economic engine of many rural counties. Here's the…
 • Bryce Oates
What Drives the Rural Economy? Here are the U.S. Counties Where Farming is the Anchor.
Farming is important in rural places all over the country, but it is the key economic player in just 409 counties. Nearly all are located in the Great…
 • Bryce Oates
Congress is Back. And They've Got a Lot to Do Before the End of the Month.
Congress returns to work today. Amidst the usual Beltway chatter, Congress must act by September 30 to renew or extend the federal budget. And to renew…
 • Bryce Oates
Happy Labor Day! And Some Random Thoughts About Organized Labor and Trump's War on Labor.
Organized Labor (key word: "organized") has achieved much throughout American history. Safer places to work + live. Much, much better wages. Financial…
 • Bryce Oates
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins Takes Steps to "Protect Farmland". . . From Farmer-owned Solar Panels???
With lots of love from fellow Republicans, Secretary Rollins announced new administrative rules this week that block farmers from accessing USDA grants…
 • Bryce Oates
The Trump-Rollins USDA Has Dumb-Downed and Un-informed Their News Releases.
The USDA website is a mess. Information and data are hidden/unavailable while political chest-thumping and culture war rhetoric from Secretary of…
 • Bryce Oates
Without Action by September 30th, One of USDA's Largest Private Lands Conservation Programs Would Start Winding Down.
For 40 years, the Conservation Reserve Program has reduced soil erosion, restored grasslands and forests, and expanded wildlife habitat on farms. New…
 • Bryce Oates
The Cocklebur
The Cocklebur
Reporting and analysis on rural politics, policy, people, and places.
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