Tom Vilsack serves as the Nation's 30th Secretary of the Agriculture. As USDA's leader, Vilsack is working hard to strengthen the American agricultural economy, build vibrant rural communities and secure a stronger future for the American middle class.

Kathleen A. Merrigan is the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Working alongside Secretary Tom Vilsack, Merrigan oversees the day-to-day operation of USDA's many programs and spearheads the $149 billion USDA budget process.

Measuring performance is essential to managing programs effectively. USDA works continuously to improve the quality of our measures to make them more meaningful and outcome-oriented.

The Blueprint for Stronger Service aims to build a modern and efficient service organization that is closely timed with technological innovations - and better suited to respond to 21st century agricultural challenges.