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.

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.

There are children with dreams counting on us.

We have a long tradition in this state of caring for our neighbors - it is truly an Iowa value.

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

Hillary Clinton was in rural America during the Iowa caucuses, but I think the nature of a campaign makes it more difficult once you become the candidate. There's a messaging opportunity here throughout, not just in the election season, but before the election, the opportunity to underscore what government is doing in a positive way in partnership with rural folks. I think it's a messaging issue. It's being there physically, talking to folks, listening to people, respecting and admiring what they do, and then making sure that they understand precisely what the partnership is.

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