Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Division Xochitl Torres Small came to Iowa last week to highlight the investments the federal agency is making in Iowa and local communities.

A group of USDA staff toured Pella and Oskaloosa last week, which included stops at LDJ Manufacturing and Int Velds Meat Market. Torres Small says they work with local electric cooperatives, including Pella Cooperative Electric, to help pinpoint where investments including grants and low-interest loans should go.

USDA Rural Development invested $729,627,868 in obligated funding in Iowa for Fiscal Year 2022, which includes resources for water and environmental programs, telecommunications, electric infrastructure, business loans, community facilities, and housing, among other uses.

Torres Small says her tour of LDJ was highlighted by the employee-driven culture and how that translated into the expansion of the company.

Hear more from Torres Small on today’s In Depth with Dr. Bob Leonard.