By Hayley Hunter, ASU sustainable food systems graduate student
The recent Model USDA simulation brought together students from diverse backgrounds and schools to tackle some of rural America's most pressing issues. Representing different agencies and stakeholders both within the USDA and outside the federal government, participants collaborated to shape a $1.25 billion budget proposal from USDA Rural Development, funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Over three days of intense discussions, the group worked to balance immediate community needs with long-term economic growth and resilience.
Part of the simulation featured a video from Lorette Picciano, Executive Director of the Rural Coalition, who shared her perspective on the importance of investing in rural America. She emphasized that rural development investments are crucial because much of the industry in rural areas today is extractive, taking wealth out of communities without reinvesting it back. Picciano argued that to build sustainable and thriving rural economies, it's essential to shift the focus toward investments that add value, empower local communities, and create long-term economic resilience.
As the simulation unfolded, it became clear how challenging it is to prioritize funding across competing needs. Water infrastructure quickly made its way to the top of the list, reflecting a shared understanding that access to clean, reliable water is fundamental not only for agricultural productivity, but also for economic development, public health, and overall community well-being. This emphasis on water supports the importance of building systems that serve entire rural communities, not just individual sectors.
At the same time, the decision to reduce direct agricultural funding sparked debate. Some participants worried that shifting funds away from direct farmer support would undermine the agricultural foundation of rural communities. However, the group ultimately agreed that agencies like the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) already provide targeted agricultural support. By focusing on broader infrastructure needs, the proposed budget aimed to strengthen the systems that sustain agriculture and rural life.
Beyond infrastructure, the group recognized that rural prosperity depends on more than physical resources. Transportation and childcare emerged as key priorities in the final budget, sectors that are often overlooked in discussions of rural development. Their reasoning followed that improved transportation networks enhance market access for farmers and businesses, while accessible childcare enables more parents to participate in the workforce, both of which are essential for long-term community resilience.
Given the current state of the federal government, there was considerable uncertainty among participants on how best to proceed with the simulation. With differing priorities across administrations, some members of the working group struggled with whether to push for policies that align with the existing federal approach or advocate for stronger, more progressive solutions. This tension was reflected in the final budget, where certain language was adjusted to mirror the language of the new administration. For instance, terms like "sustainability" were replaced with "conservation" to better align with the federal government’s messaging. These language shifts demonstrate the fine line between pushing for meaningful change and working within the confines of political realities.
In the end, the Model USDA simulation offered participants a deeper, more nuanced understanding of policymaking and the real-world challenges of serving rural America. It also provided a valuable lesson in the importance of compromise and negotiation, skills that are often overshadowed in today’s polarized political climate. By working together to find common ground across varied perspectives, students learned how essential collaboration is to creating solutions that can address the complex, intricate issues facing rural communities. The final budget the group came up with reflects a strategic approach to long-term resilience, ensuring that rural communities have the infrastructure and support needed to thrive.
This blog is part of a series written by ASU graduate students who role-played as journalists in the Swette Center's inaugural Model USDA, held virtually from January 31 to February 2, 2025.