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. Tom Vilsack americafarmfight Change image and share on social
I grew up in a city. My parents would think there was something wrong with America if they knew I was secretary of agriculture. Tom Vilsack agricultureamericacity Change image and share on social
What Republicans have done in my view is that they are systematically dismantling a sense of community in America. Tom Vilsack americacommunitydismantle Change image and share on social
In 2011, agricultural exports hit a record high and producers saw their best incomes in nearly 40 years. Tom Vilsack agriculturalexporthigh Change image and share on social
You know, rural Americans are a special people. Their labor puts food on our table and fuel in our gas tanks. Their service in our military sets a powerful example of leadership, honor and sacrifice. Their spirit of community inspires us all. Tom Vilsack americancommunityfood share on social
In the past 40 years, the United States lost more than a million farmers and ranchers. Many of our farmers are aging. Today, only nine percent of family farm income comes from farming, and more and more of our farmers are looking elsewhere for their primary source of income. Tom Vilsack agingfamilyfarm share on social
If I had a rain prayer or a rain dance I could do, I would do it. Tom Vilsack danceprayerrain Change image and share on social
There is more potential for economic growth in rural America than at any time in decades. Tom Vilsack americadecadeeconomic Change image and share on social
Local and regional food systems are about opportunity. Tom Vilsack foodlocalopportunity Change image and share on social
More than half of America's rural counties are losing population and with it, political representation. Tom Vilsack americacountyhalf Change image and share on social