Tom Vilsack, who served as the United States Secretary of Agriculture for nearly 12 years across two presidential administrations, has no plans to retire at age 74. Instead, he intends to remain active in addressing critical issues such as food and nutrition security. Vilsack's tenure was marked by significant advancements in climate-smart agriculture and efforts to create new income streams for farmers. He emphasized the need for a sustainable agricultural model that supports both environmental health and economic stability. During his final days in office, Vilsack reflected on the challenges facing U.S. agriculture, including pest and disease outbreaks, climate change, and structural inequities within the farming sector. His legacy includes transformative policies aimed at promoting equity and sustainability in rural America.

Vilsack's dedication to agriculture began long before his time in Washington. After graduating from law school, he moved to Iowa, where he served as the state's 40th governor from 1999 to 2007. His deep connection to Iowa and its agricultural roots shaped his approach to policy-making at the federal level. Behind his desk at the USDA headquarters, Vilsack kept a poster-sized image of Henry Wallace and George Washington Carver—two influential figures in American agriculture history. These icons symbolized the values of science, equity, and innovation that guided his work as secretary. Wallace, a former agriculture secretary and vice president under Franklin Roosevelt, and Carver, a renowned agricultural scientist, were both associated with Iowa, reinforcing Vilsack's commitment to the state's agricultural heritage.

During his tenure, Vilsack faced two major challenges in U.S. agriculture: the increasing prevalence of pests and diseases exacerbated by climate change, and the structural imbalance within the farming industry. The former issue highlights the need for resilient agricultural systems capable of responding to environmental shifts. Vilsack emphasized that producers must be prepared to adapt to these changes, ensuring appropriate protections and responses are in place. The latter challenge concerns the concentration of farm income among a small percentage of large-scale operations. Vilsack pointed out that the top 10% of farms receive 85% of the income and 60% of the safety net, leaving the remaining 90% of farms with limited resources. This disparity underscores the urgency of creating alternative models that provide additional income streams without overburdening farmers with extra work.

To address these challenges, Vilsack championed initiatives like the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, which incentivize farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices. By promoting sustainable agriculture, Vilsack aimed to mitigate the impact of climate change while enhancing farm profitability. Additionally, investments in renewable energy, local food systems, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) have laid the foundation for a more resilient and diverse agricultural economy. Vilsack also stressed the importance of collaboration between the USDA and other government agencies, Congress, and career professionals within the department. He advised future leaders to rely on the expertise of career staff to ensure timely and effective policy implementation.

Looking ahead, Vilsack envisions continuing his efforts to promote food and nutrition security, both domestically and internationally. He remains committed to developing an alternative agricultural model that complements traditional production methods while addressing environmental concerns. In particular, Vilsack highlighted the need to support livestock producers in reducing methane emissions through sustainable practices. His vision for the future of agriculture is one where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand, ensuring that farming remains viable and environmentally responsible for generations to come. Despite stepping down from his role at the USDA, Vilsack's influence on American agriculture will continue to shape policy and practice for years to come.