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

RECENT NEWS & EVENTS

  • The Landscape of Mental Health and Financial Support for Midwest Farmers 
    The farm income crisis of the late 2010s and the COVID-19 pandemic amplified mental health challenges in agriculture, which resulted in the development of a range of mental health programs.
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  • 2025 Northwest Community Development Institute
    July 21 – 25, 2025 Boise Idaho The Riverside Hotel
    Read More
  • Virtual Film Screening: Out of the Shadows
    Thursday, May 29, 2025 2-2:45pm Eastern
    Read More