Pride and Diversity in New Mexico Farming

Yesterday Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack continued President Obama’s Rural Tour with his 21st stop in New Mexico. This stop while similar to the previous stops stood out in two key areas. In a morning meeting with the Latino farmers in the town of Mesilla, N.M. the Secretary heard first hand the importance of addressing the wrongs of the past in regards to the USDA and civil rights issues. And to this, the Secretary responded that he is ready to take on the responsibility of closing that chapter in our history and creating new opportunities for American farmers and ranchers of all backgrounds and cultures.

But the day was also notable because of the hard work and pride of the farming and ranching community of rural New Mexico. You see, unlike many states and parts of the country, the agriculture sector in New Mexico is growing. Five years ago, there were approximately 15,000 farms in New Mexico. Today, there are over 20,000 farms and the number is growing. Pistachios, grapes, dairy, avocados, and grains are just a sampling of the agriculture products coming out of the state. The agriculture sector today accounts for $2.1 billion in the state economy, also up from five years ago.

As Sharon Lombardi, Executive Director of the Dairy Producers of New Mexico made clear, times are tough and the challenges are numerous, but here in New Mexico they are determined to move forward. They are determined to preserve the rural communities that are the heart and soul of the nation. They are determined to make it work. And here at the USDA, we are determined to stand beside them and do what we can to help them achieve those goals.

Permalink  |  Posted at: 12:17PM Oct 01, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA  |  Add Your Comment Here [0]

In the Shadow of Scottsbluff

Scottsbluff, Nebraska is a location many of us have never been to but it is a place many of us have heard of thanks to history class and the popular educational computer game “The Oregon Trail.” In the mid 1800s many Americans knew of Scottsbluff because it was a key destination along the Oregon, California, Morman, and Pony Express Trails. Scottsbluff was a welcoming site to those pioneers that braved nature and the elements to start a new life out west. It was a landmark that let them know that they were still on the path to their destination.



It is a fitting that today’s Rural Tour Community Forum sits in the shadow of Scottsbluff because as Secretary Vilsack has emphasized, we are on the path to a new day in rural America – a Rural Renaissance. Like the westward pioneers before us, we face challenges. As we work together to rebuild and revitalize our economy and communities, we can see Americans all across the country tapping into the same determination and ingenuity that carried our forefathers through their difficult times.

Here at the Rural Tour Community Forum, we have heard from farmers and ranchers that are ready to embrace the opportunities of the 21st green economy. One local rancher asked the officials in attendace – Secretaries Vilsack and Salazar, Senator Nelson, Governor Heineman, and Congressman Smith – to upgrade the electric transmission infrastructure in the state.

This rancher was eager to harness the abundant wind that blows across the plains and grasslands of Nebraska with turbines installed on his land. He explained that wind turbines would increase the income opportunities of his land.

This story is one of many we hear all over rural America – of Americans ready to apply their ingenuity, their innovation, and most of all, to get involved in the hard work of remaking America. Thank you Scottsbluff, you are a sign that we are on the right path.

Permalink  |  Posted at: 08:41AM Sep 29, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA  |  Add Your Comment Here [1]

Food Safety and Farming Lead Conversation in Charlotte

Yesterday Secretary Tom Vilsack traveled to Charlotte, Mich. for his ninth rural tour stop where more than 500 local residents participated in a rural community forum lead by the Secretary. Senator Stabenow and Congressman Shauer also participated in the wide-ranging discussion of issues facing rural Michiganders. Food safety was on the minds of the community as well; from H1N1 influenza to an interest in increased collaboration at government agencies on food safety efforts.

As in recent community forums, issues facing dairy farmers were hot topics, and Vilsack emphasized USDA’s ongoing efforts to find ways to assist struggling dairy producers. We also heard a lot of interest from people seeking to start their own farmers markets or even to become a farmer.

One of the most meaningful moments from the forum was perhaps the most simple. After Vilsack said to the attending farming community, “We are connected,” someone stood and simply said, “Thank you.” He left with blueberries and cherrys grown in the area.

Permalink  |  Posted at: 08:09AM Jul 14, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA  |  Add Your Comment Here [1]

Secretary Vilsack Visits 8th State on Rural Tour

For the latest Rural Tour stop, Secretary Vilsack went north to New Hampshire where citizens firmly believe in their state motto “Live Free or Die.” After landing in Manchester, Secretary Vilsack met with dairy farmers at a farm near Contoocook to discuss the financial crisis they face and concerns that multi-generational family farms would soon be going out of business in large numbers if they did not receive assistance.

Secretary Vilsack was genuinely moved by their stories, and announced his intention to create a Dairy Advisory Group to recommend changes to milk pricing for fairness for farmers, profitability, and stability.

The community forum was held at Carter Hill Orchards near Concord before a packed house where Secretary Vilsack was joined by Governor Lynch, Sen. Shaheen, Congresswoman Shea-Porter and Congressman Hodes. The main focus remained on the problems facing the dairy industry in New England and across the country.

When the floor was opened for questions, there was no hesitation from the crowd. Dairy and biomass issues dominated the discussion. The level of engagement of the farmers and community members who took the time out of their day to participate in the forum was impressive. It is easy to see that New Hampshire has a proud tradition of citizen involvement in government. Those who attended took the opportunity to speak with Secretary Vilsack, Governor Lynch and the Congressional delegation very seriously and made every effort to make the most of the forum.

After a short but highly envigorating day, Secretary Vilsack made a pitstop at the Common Man family restaurant that proudly features locally produced cheeses from area farmers. The establishment has a firm rule against cell phones and we were happy to obey the local ordinance.

Permalink  |  Posted at: 09:41AM Jul 07, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA  |  Add Your Comment Here [0]