If we can get people to focus on fruits and vegetables and more healthy foods, we'll be better in terms of our healthcare situation.

One out of every 12 jobs in the economy is connected in some way, shape or form to what happens on the farm.

There are a lot of farmers and ranchers who are struggling. I get on my knees every day. If I had a rain prayer or a rain dance I could do, I would do it.

If we are to transition to a new economy and to lead it, we must start by transforming our schools.

We should also challenge this country to come up with strategies and technologies that allow us to produce nuclear energy without necessarily producing a byproduct that can be converted to something far more dangerous. I believe that can be done. It may not be done tomorrow, but it clearly needs to be worked on.

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.

Local and regional food systems are about opportunity.