Roundup: March 27, 2026
A regular feature of The Rural Review, these roundup posts collect notable recent research, analysis, and related rural news and commentary. Feel free to send suggestions for future collections to us here. And, more details on other opportunities to contribute to the Rural Review can be found here.
Recent Publications
A Canada-based team published Reclaiming Indigenous Water Governance: Decolonial and Community-Led Approaches at Star Blanket First Nation, Saskatchewan in Society & Natural Resources. Ranjan Datta (Humanities, Mount Royal University), Margot Hurlbert (Public Policy, University of Regina), John Bosco Acharibasam (Planning, Geography, and Environmental Studies, University of the Fraser Valley), Ethel Starblanket, Victor Starr, and Reah Starr (all Star Blanket Cree First Nation Community Advisory Research Committee) use collaborative research methods to outline culturally embedded water protection practices that should guide policy reforms addressing water insecurity.
Rural Sociology published Landowner Perspectives on Large-Scale Solar Leasing: Decision-Making and Agricultural Implications in Rural New York State by Kathryn Bills Walsh, Richard Stedman, and David Kay (all Global Development and the Environment, Cornell University) drawing on findings from a survey of 1,499 rural landowners concerning LSS development. Results suggest that concerns about farmland loss due to LSS may be overstated.
Rural–Urban Migration of Alaska Indigenous Peoples: Changing Patterns and Drivers by Matthew Berman (Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska) and Ruoqing Wang-Cendejas (Office of the Inspector General, Veterans Affairs, CA) was published in The Annals of Regional Science, examining the factors driving relocation to urban areas. Notably, cost of living has replaced employment opportunities as the dominant driver of migration.
News & Commentary
An article in The Wall Street Journal observed that sizable reductions to herd sizes in the US have left cattle herds at their lowest level in 75 years, resulting in a “new normal” of high beef prices for Americans. Most ranchers don’t plan to increase their herd sizes, preferring to pay down debts or to invest in repairs or plans to boost meat quality.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup will require many stadiums across North America to transition from Astroturf to locally grown sod that meets professional-grade soccer pitch standards. Offrange published an article about the $5 million partnership between FIFA and turf scientists at Michigan State University and the University of Tennessee to develop this “fancy sod.”
The New Lede explored concerns about the contamination of US farmland with toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) based on findings from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine and the draft 2026 Farm Bill. Concerns remain about how to support farmers affected by PFAS pollution.
An article in the Arkansas Times covered the challenges small and shrinking towns face in maintaining basic public utilities. In Cotton Plant, AR, the tap water serving the population of about 500 has been under a boil order for nearly a year, and local officials are struggling to secure funding to improve the aging water system.
Events & Recordings
Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences posted a recording of the Fall 2025 Tsujimoto Perspectives in Global Development Seminar Series featuring David L. Brown, International Professor Emeritus of Development Sociology. The seminar explored how rural studies’ trans-disciplinary approach to applied social science research and scholarship encourages engagement in “public social science.” More info here.
The National Conference of State Legislatures is hosting a webinar, Rural Overdose Prevention: What State Policymakers Need to Know on April 9, 2026. The event aims to share recent data on state-level policy responses to the overdose crisis in rural areas. Registration is free and open to attendees beyond state legislators and staff. To learn more and register, see here.
