Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small & Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt talked with young Cali farmers. Kudos to @LandBasedEd for hosting this insightful discussion on USDA's initiatives to empower new farmers & create new economic opportunities.

@RangelandTrust was graciously hosted @LandBasedEd for a strategic planning session. I’ve always admired the important work @MaryCLBL & her entire @LandBasedEd team does. So much synergy w/our orgs missions. Look forward to returning to a Speaker Series @LandBasedEd soon!

A vision to inspire, educate, and cultivate future generations of farmers continues to be nurtured across California by a nonprofit seeking to connect people with opportunities in agriculture. @LandBasedEd #agriculture#futurefarmers farmprogress.com/farm-life/a…

You learn very quickly that there is no handbook or rules to being First Lady. Technically, it’s not even an official position. And while there are spoken and unspoken expectations that provide some structure, the role is largely shaped by the passions and aspirations of the person holding it. First Lady Rosalynn Carter understood that well. Guided by her abiding faith and her commitment to service, Mrs. Carter used her platform in profoundly meaningful ways. Her groundbreaking work to combat the stigma faced by those struggling with their mental health brought light to so many suffering in silence. She advocated for better care for the elderly. She advanced women’s rights. And she remained a champion for those causes — and many others like building affordable housing for those in need and caring for our nation’s caregivers — in the more than four decades that followed. When our family was in the White House, every so often, Rosalynn would join me for lunch, offering a few words of advice and always — always — a helping hand. She reminded me to make the role of First Lady my own, just like she did. I’ll always remain grateful for her support and her generosity. Today, Barack and I join the world in celebrating the remarkable legacy of a First Lady, philanthropist, and advocate who dedicated her life to lifting up others. Her life is a reminder that no matter who we are, our legacies are best measured not in awards or accolades, but in the lives we touch. We send our thoughts and prayers to Jimmy and the entire Carter family during this difficult time.

WHAT. JUST. HAPPENED!??? -Jason Ross

Congratulations to the 11th class of the CA Farm Academy Beginning Farmer Training Program at their graduation ceremony this afternoon. An honor to be asked to provide comments. All the best - we need you!! #BoycottDove centerforlandbasedlearning.

Labor Day thanks to the plant breeders, harvesters, packinghouse workers, nursery employees, soil scientists, truck drivers, equipment and materials dealers and others who make it possible for me to get #avocados to you. Farming includes many people beyond farmers. Thank you all!

Deion bringing the heat to post game presser

Two back-to-school resource fairs happened in my district this weekend, in West Sacramento and Sonoma! Thanks to the volunteers and all those who helped make these fairs happen, thousands of kids now have brand-new backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year!