Promotional banner for Western Rural Development Center showing colorful hot air balloons floating over a river with boats and rural landscape on the left side, and the WRDC logo with text 'WESTERN RURAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER' and 'ELEVATING RURAL ECONOMIES SINCE 1972' on a black background on the right side.

At the Western Rural Development Center, we believe in the limitless potential of rural communities to lead and thrive. We’re here for you and your community. We know the unique challenges rural areas face and believe in your ability to overcome them and thrive. Whether you’re a farmer, entrepreneur, or community leader, we partner to turn challenges into opportunities. With Western land grant universities and local organizations, we’re creating real, lasting change to help your community grow stronger, more resilient, and ready for the future. Your success is our mission, and we’re with you every step of the way. Together, we’re cultivating a stronger, more vibrant rural America.

OUR PRIORITIES

little village near a lake. Green moutains stretch far in the background

Advancing the Social and Economic Impact of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Systems

Snowy mountains from the background are reflected in a very clear lake in the forefront of the image. It is sunny.

Improving the Social and Economic Impact of Natural Resource Sustainability

overhanging view of a fair and tents in the street of a little town. The street is surrounded by trees.

Promoting Community and Family Development and Health

RECENT NEWS & EVENTS

  • Regional Pulse: Insights from the 2024 Multi-Regional Household Surveys
    Join us for a presentation on the groundbreaking 2024 baseline household surveys conducted across three major U.S. regions that cover essential topics related to household, business, and community well-being.
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  • Navigating Tides of Change: Supporting each Other
    Join the American Indian Higher Education Consortium Land Grant Team to share practical strategies to stay focused while navigating through uncertain times and effectively plan for the future.
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  • Findings from the National Agritourism Survey
    Join the National Extension Tourism Network for a presentation by Claudia Schmidt (Penn State) and Jason Entsminger (University of Maine), who will share key findings from the recent national agritourism survey, exploring both challenges and opportunities within the industry.
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