House races across Rural America are coming down to agriculture policy and the Farm Bill in the final week of this election.

And for good reason too – the health of rural communities is inexplicably tied to the Farm Bill. It is integral to the national economy, rural development, food security, and farm revenues. It's an incredibly important piece of legislation that can make or break small and family farms.

We're watching closely as former USDA official Lanon Baccam, a Democrat with significant support from other Democratic agriculture officials, challenges incumbent Rep. Zach Nunn, a freshman member of the House Agriculture Committee in Iowa's 3rd district covering the southwest portion of the state.

In Colorado's 8th district covering urban, suburban, and rural parts of the state, House Agriculture Democrat Rep. Yadira Caraveo is running against Republican Gabe Evans. Caraveo is a staunch supporter of rural nutrition and climate programs and has been successful in getting her bills added in the farm bill package.

There isn't a single person in the United States who is not affected by what's inside the Farm Bill. It's the funding mechanism for the SNAP food assistance program, it provides resources for forestry management, forest fire prevention, conservation, flood prevention programs, and much more.

Congress must deliver a new five-year Farm Bill to rural America, but in order to do this, we need members of Congress in office who have the right priorities. Right-wing extremists insistent on destroying nutrition and climate programs are harming family farmers and smaller producers. We're watching these congressional races closely with so much at stake for rural America in this year's election.

Remember to vote your entire ballot, vote early if you're able to, or make a plan to vote on Tuesday, November 5th.

Tessa

Tessa Gould, One Country
Executive Director