President Joe Biden's $2.7 trillion infrastructure plan would address some long-standing needs in rural America with substantial new funding for roads, bridges, waterways and broadband, but the plan doesn't provide the major boost in farm conservation spending that many ag groups say is needed to get more farmers to adopt climate-smart practices.

Tom Vilsack is trying to reassure farmers and their allies in Congress that the Biden administration’s drive to address climate change will provide significant economic benefits without jeopardizing demand for biofuels.

Rural Development is one of the most little-known agencies within USDA, but its broad portfolio of programs have been helping rural areas in many unique ways during the COVID-19 pandemic.