Despite current low commodity prices in most areas of United States agriculture, the outlook going forward is positive. That’s according to U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. He says that’s because the farm economy has a solid base.

He says the outlook for the ag economy is even brighter for the coming year.

So far in 2016 Vilsack says the USDA has paid out quite a bit of assistance to help producers and will be providing additional assistance next month.

Vilsack made his comments while speaking Wednesday with reporters on a conference call.