Since 2009, USDA has prioritized outreach and engagement to form new partnerships across America and regain trust where it was once lost. Over the past eight years, each of the Department’s agencies has expanded its reach, increasing awareness about critical assistance programs and developing targeted strategies to make services more accessible to those in need.

Here’s an example of how things have changed: In 2003, Cather Woods, an African-American farm operator from Texas, was denied a USDA loan. As a result, she was forced to use her retirement savings to purchase the 300 acre farm her father bought in 1949 – the very same farm where she grew up. For generations, this narrative was far too common and cases like these – marked by disenfranchisement and personal sacrifice – earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture its longstanding reputation for denial of equal service.

Undefeated, Ms. Woods paved her own road to success and helped many others along the way. After establishing her farm, she went on to serve as a minority advisor to her local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office and was eventually elected the first African-American woman in Texas to serve on an FSA county committee. A dedicated public servant, Woods worked with FSA for 12 years, conducting outreach in her community and connecting farmers and ranchers with USDA programs that would help them prosper. Listen to her inspiring story.

Under the Obama Administration, USDA has made it a top priority to ensure all Americans are represented at every level of the Department, and to create a culture of inclusivity that’s reflected in all aspects of our work.

Over a decade later, USDA has experienced meaningful cultural transformation and is overall a very different organization than it was in 2003, but that’s largely because more people like Cather Woods – who have witnessed the difference equal opportunity can make firsthand – have a seat at the table. Today, more voices are being heard.

Now 74, Ms. Woods has some advice for others in the farming community, “Everybody knows something and nobody knows it all. But the more questions you ask, […] the more successful you will be.” Here at USDA, we’re taking note. We are constantly learning from individuals all across our nation and are thankful for the generous contributions and perspectives offered by partners like Ms. Woods.

Join us throughout the month of August as we look back on eight years of progress toward a more equal and inclusive USDA. Follow along on usda.gov, on the USDA blog and by using #USDAResults, or catch up on Chapter VIII on our Medium site.

Throughout the month you can join us as we tell the important story of eight years of progress toward a more equal and inclusive USDA.