To help producers serve larger institutional customers like schools and hospitals, USDA has helped fund new regional infrastructure like cold storage warehouses, commercial kitchens and local slaughter facilities.

I grew up in a city. My parents would think there was something wrong with America if they knew I was secretary of agriculture.

Quality, affordable housing is a key element of a strong and secure Iowa.

There are children with dreams counting on us.

There is more potential for economic growth in rural America than at any time in decades.

People don't understand rural America. Sixteen percent of our population is rural, but 40 percent of our military is rural. I don't believe that's because of a lack of opportunity in rural America. I believe that's because if you grow up in rural America, you know you can't just keep taking from the land. You've got to give something back.

And sometimes people don't realize that 90 percent of the persistent poverty counties are located in rural America.