Rural America makes up 72% of the nation’s land, and is home to 46 million Americans, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agriculture continues to play a major economic role in rural America, along with manufacturing, services and trade. NCSL follows state legislative activities on agriculture and rural economic development, tracks changes in federal policy—including the Farm Bill—concerns on health care and education, and highlights novel approaches lawmakers undertake to address these issues in their states.