Although they are some of the hardest working folks I know, rural Americans earn, on average, $11,000 less than their urban counterparts each year. And they are more likely to live in poverty.

Over the past two years, the Obama Administration and USDA have worked to build a foundation for sustainable economic growth in rural America. At the center of our vision is an effort to increase domestic production and use of renewable energy.

People working together in a strong community with a shared goal and a common purpose can make the impossible possible.

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

Democrats have always historically referred to our families as working families, and I have sort of changed that moniker. I think what we have is a nation of worried families - families that are concerned about job security, families who thought their pensions were secure and now have questions.

There are children with dreams counting on us.

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