By Scout Nelson
In spring 2025, students from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s agricultural economics program worked with residents of Fairbury, Nebraska, to study community challenges and support local development planning. The project continued to show positive effects even a year later, as several ideas moved toward implementation.
The course, Agricultural Economics 376, focuses on rural community development and is taught by assistant professor of practice Daniela Mattos. Students work in teams to study real communities, identify challenges, and propose practical solutions based on research and community engagement.
According to Mattos, the course takes a holistic approach. “We try as much as possible to make it very holistic,” she said. We look at every aspect of the community, not just the economics, because everything in a community is connected. If we do anything for the economy, it’s going to affect all the other parts of the community.”
Fairbury was selected because of its size and accessibility for student visits. The community, with a population of around 4,000, allowed students to travel easily for meetings and fieldwork.
Students studied the town and then met with residents, local leaders, and business owners. Discussions focused on key challenges such as workforce housing shortages, limited childcare services, infrastructure needs, local amenities, and broadband access.
After gathering information, students returned to campus to analyze their findings and develop an action plan. They examined community strengths and weaknesses and created recommendations related to housing, economic development, tourism, and access to resources.
One key insight was how interconnected all the issues were. Students realized that solving one problem often depends on addressing another. As Mattos explained, “They were like, ‘If we recruit people, where are they going to live?’ It was a real ‘wow’ moment.”
At the end of the semester, students returned to Fairbury and presented an 80-page report. The report included recommendations, strategies, and guidance on accessing local and federal resources. It also offered flexible options so the community could choose its own path forward.
Community leaders appreciated the fresh perspective. Jefferson County Commissioner Mark Schoenrock said the external input helped improve local thinking. “The thing that I appreciated the most was having an external set of eyes look at things,” Schoenrock said.
Fairbury’s development services director, Laura Bedlan, noted that the project encouraged collaboration among local stakeholders and validated existing ideas for future growth.
Students also gained valuable experience. Emma Moss said the project gave them confidence and practical knowledge for future leadership roles in community development.
The course continues to work with other Nebraska communities, including Milford, ensuring ongoing learning and engagement between students and rural areas.
Photo Credit: nebraska-extension
Categories: Nebraska, General