Partnerships between the USDA and rural colleges are one approach that allows individual students and regional economies to fulfill their potential. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made a decision to be involved with rural community colleges, which has really made a difference on what is happening on campus. Through a dizzying array of programs that include direct loans and grants for facilities, capacity building and institutional improvement, the USDA provides critical funding and guidance that under-resourced community college leaders may have a hard time accessing otherwise for their agricultural programs. This article discusses the role the USDA plays in training the next generation to meet the needs of their students, communities and economies with training at rural community colleges.