America’s producers provide a food supply that is safe, reliable, abundant and affordable. Farmers and ranchers take on the challenges unique to agricultural production – weather extremes that directly impact the sucess or failure of their crops and livestock, for instance – for the opportunities of rural life.

The federal government’s policy in support of agricultural production is commonly refered to as the “farm bill.” This multi-year legislation written by the Agriculture Committees of the Senate and the House largely encompasses nutrition and feeding programs for the needy, promotion of American food and textiles in international markets, rural development, research into production of crops, and – most notably in the 2002 Farm Bill – an historic increase in conservation programs.

The real work of agriculture begins each early morning and late into evening on farms and ranches around the country, where crops are grown, livestock and poultry are raised, and fiber crops such as cotton are harvested and prepared for what will become your next meal, or your new shirt or jeans. And that is a remarkable story, the story of food and fiber.