LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For about a week each October, the epicenter of the agricultural world lies within the National FFA Convention and Expo. America’s chief agriculture advocate, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, recognizes that and once again attended to address the FFA members attending it, last week.

Vilsack told FFAers how thankful he was to the organization for helping to get the word out to lawmakers of how important it was to get the farm bill passed. "I think you were instrumental in your advocacy for a farm bill, and I think because of that there are literally hundreds of thousands of producers in this country today that are getting help and assistance because of your work," he said.

He added without the FFA he’s not sure many of the programs in the bill would be in place right now to assist farmers. He then said how he believes in the greatness of agriculture, noting the part of the FFA creed where members say they believe in the future of agriculture – something Vilsack wanted to address by discussing three basic challenges. "First is the aging nature of farmers in America today. The average age of farmers is 58. That means we have to do a better job of continuing to attract and retain young people into this extraordinary calling," he said. "We are a strong and powerful nation in large part because we have the productive farmers and the best farmers in the world."

Vilsack said it is important for the next generation to take up that challenge, especially young women, and it is up to FFA to lead that effort.

The second challenge is that of climate change, including longer droughts, more severe storms and more frequent flooding not only in this country but throughout the world.

"Those related to agriculture, connected to agriculture, have a unique opportunity to help figure out how to better manage climate; how we adapt and mitigate to the consequences to climate change. You all embrace science; you all understand the significance of science; you’re excited about science. You need to continue that."

The third challenge is how to feed the growing population. "The world is depending on the United States and the United States, is depending upon you to help us figure out how we are going to continue to meet the need of a growing world population in these most difficult set of circumstances," he said.

Vilsack said FFA has done a tremendous job in working with the USDA to deal with the issue of hunger in the United States and it’s important to continue to work to feed the world’s population.

"FFA, you’re the future of agriculture. FFA, you are the folks who can embrace these challenges; you’re not fearful of these challenges. You’re excited to meet them," he said. "I know of no other organization of young people in this country today that is more significant and more serious about grappling with the fundamental challenges that we face.

"It’s not just about agriculture. It’s about the economy of the country. It’s about the compassionate nature of America. It’s about the ability of America to send a message to the world that we are the most caring and compassionate nation and you are at the center of it."