President Obama's fight for rural America is personal. He was raised by a single mom and grandparents from Kansas. He hails from a farming state, Illinois.

More than half of America's rural counties are losing population and with it, political representation.

I think we all share the same goal, which is a United States of America that inspires people and leads.

If I had a rain prayer or a rain dance I could do, I would do it.

Very few people know that my department is responsible for 1.2 million home loans since I have been secretary. That's 1.2 million families that are living in homes in rural America that would never have homeownership, but for the United States Department of Agriculture's programs. We have to do more of educating people about the partnership that does exist between rural America and their government.

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

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