Admin drives development in rural networks

Apr 30, 2024

By Farms.com

Marking its two-year anniversary, the Rural Partners Network (RPN), under the guidance of the Administration, continues to make strides in supporting rural and Tribal communities. The latest announcement by USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small introduces a series of infrastructure and clean energy projects funded through the historic Inflation Reduction Act.

This new funding phase involves approximately $144 million dedicated to 56 diverse projects. These initiatives are designed to strengthen community facilities, enhance clean energy usage, and upgrade water and wastewater systems across various states including Alaska, Georgia, and Puerto Rico.

Noteworthy projects under this scheme include the installation of a 330-kilowatt solar array in Georgia, which will serve agricultural needs while reducing energy costs, and a major grant in Wisconsin for a new emergency services facility that will significantly improve local response capabilities.

The RPN, expanded to include 36 community networks across 10 states and Puerto Rico, benefits from dedicated USDA staff who provide local support. This network aims to bridge the gap between federal resources and community needs, ensuring that all rural areas have the opportunity to thrive.

These efforts are part of a larger USDA initiative to transform America’s food system and enhance rural infrastructure, focusing on sustainability, equity, and economic growth. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the administration's commitment to empowering rural America by providing the tools needed for sustainable development and prosperity.

Video: A Farm Song (Busy) | Parody of A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey

Lyrics:

My days begin with workin’, Alarm’s at 5 o’clock,
I Fill 5 gallon buckets, The feeders and the troughs,
This five to nine ain’t workin’, why the heck do I work so hard?,
I can’t worry ‘bout health problems, I can sleep in when I’m gone,

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

I’ve been working pretty stressed but,
I ain’t changing for some cash,
Lord knows that I’m very blessed (More chores),
But I gotta say it’s hard,
Workin’ outside gettin’ charred,
Living out here on the farm, (more chores)

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history
There’s another 20 chickens that still need feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm getting’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Fun, here on ranch that’s what you can’t ignore,
Might be pretty hard but I love it to its core,
Flannel’s gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores (Tell ‘em sing with me)

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
Watching cattle in the dark, don’t miss me,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
(Yeeeeeehaw)
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
It’s the best bro, go get yourself a farm