WASHINGTON, D.C. — The USDA issued a report late last month touting its many accomplishments in agriculture and the rural economy.

The report, published Oct. 22 as state-by-state fact sheets, takes a broad-based view identifying data points of accomplishments it says the Obama administration has made in state economies, as well as in helping advance rural businesses, helping rural residents get broadband internet connections, helping people acquire and maintain their own homes and improving the safety of the water supply.

The fact sheets, published under the banner "Made in Rural America," were announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "This report shows what investment in rural America means in real terms for families and businesses across the country," he said. "Throughout the Obama administration, USDA has created employment opportunities in rural America through investments in manufacturing, energy and small businesses.

"At the same time, we are bringing reliable services like water, housing and broadband to make these same communities attract and retain a talented workforce. This report proves that the entrepreneurial spirit is strong in rural America."

The fact sheets reflect what Vilsack identifies as the "four pillars" of a strong economy in rural America. These include developing a robust biobased economy; promoting exports and production agriculture; encouraging conservation including land management, stewardship and outdoor recreational opportunities; and building a strong local and regional food system to help small and medium-size family farms succeed in rural America.

Each of 50 sheets cites figures related to the four pillars. In Kentucky, for example, 2012 exports of farm and ranch products alone contributed $2.3 billion to the state’s economy. Regarding housing, the USDA has helped 26,768 Kentucky families buy a home, or repair one they already own, the report says.

Each fact sheet features a specific business that the USDA has helped in that state. In Kentucky, McKechnie Vehicle Components of rural Nicholasville is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise company and a leading manufacturer of decorative exterior trim products for companies including Ford, General Motors and others.

Majority owner Linda Torakis received two USDA loan guarantees that allowed the company to make process improvements and streamline operations, preventing the loss of 275 jobs across several rural communities, the report states. A USDA loan also helped rural Ohio ethanol plant Three Rivers Energy get up and going again after it had been closed because of the recent economic downturn. Area farmers now have another market for their corn, increasing prices they can receive, according to the USDA.

Many of the profiles are of farming operations. For example, the Indiana report profiles Fair Oaks Farms, a dairy operation with 11,000 cows. According to the report, thanks to a USDA loan the owner was able to buy machinery to convert the dairy’s main waste product, animal manure, into fuel to power its milk hauling big rigs across the state.

The business now saves more than 1.5 million gallons of diesel fuel per year, trimming the company’s fuel costs significantly.

In each state, the USDA states it has made significant investments of money to support new and improved broadband internet connections for rural residents. In Kentucky, for example, it has invested $358.8 million toward that end. Advances in water supply, treatment and storage are also profiled. In Ohio, the report states the USDA has invested $273.5 million for water and sanitation upgrades.

To view any or all of the fact sheets that make up the report, go online at www.usda.gov/opportunities