Census data shows the life expectancy rate for rural Americans has dropped over time and is now less than that in urban areas. It is something the National Rural Health Association has been studying and says there is one major reason for the switch.
“Lack of access to healthcare, first and foremost, and if you can’t get to your doctor for preventive care or a checkup, you wait until things get really bad, and then you go into the emergency room. Environmental issues. You know, for our ranchers and farmers, that’s a tough, difficult profession to be in by itself. Then you get into lifestyle choices, a lot of processed fast food, which is easy to get and cost less, well that impacts your health. And then on top of that, you just have higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and cancer across the board,” said Alan Morgan.
The 2022 Census of Ag showed around 60 percent of farmers received healthcare in the past year.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins surveys Nebraska wildfire damage as cattle losses, tight supplies, rising imports, and beef industry investigations impact U.S. markets. Roger McEowen outlines legal and tax considerations for ranchers recovering from wildfire damage.
March 23, 2026 11:18 AM
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Spring Weather Creates Uneven Early Season Field Conditions
March 23, 2026 10:50 AM
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Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller launches Agricultural Defense Program to combat pests, disease, and predators threatening farmers and ranchers statewide.
March 23, 2026 10:40 AM
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USDA Cattle-on-Feed report for March shows slightly lower inventory and higher February placements, signaling a tighter supply but steady outlook for the U.S. cattle herd.
March 20, 2026 03:30 PM
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Nebraska Cattle Rancher Joe Van Newkirk shares his firsthand insight on devastating wildfires in the Sandhills, discusses challenges facing ranchers, long-term calf health concerns, and the recovery efforts underway.
March 20, 2026 01:53 PM
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Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association President Craig Uden shares the latest on Nebraska wildfire conditions, discusses challenges facing producers, and outlines relief efforts underway.
March 20, 2026 01:21 PM
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