Our values are founded through the prism of rural dynamics and institutions. We go to church, we know what FFA and 4-H means, we know where the food in our supermarkets is from, we know our neighbors and cousins. In so many ways, we represent the best of our nation in rural America. Unfortunately, during this time of prosperity for our nation, rural America has not reaped the benefits like the big cities. There are fewer people in rural America these days.
More people live in urban and suburban hubs.
One-third of America, though, or 82 million Americans live in rural areas. While many policy-makers focus on big city issues, we must make sure that America s prosperity is realized by all of us. There are many issues we must address. The American farm family is struggling. Prices for their hard work are hitting decade lows, while drought and other economic factors continue to harm our farmers.