Farmers and ranchers are increasing productivity, delivering more safe and affordable food than ever, and the rest of the country—and the world—is starting to take notice.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported earlier this month that farm exports reached a record high of $137.4 billion in FY 2011—exceeding past highs by $22.5 billion—resulting in an agriculture trade surplus of $42.7 billion.

It sounds good. After all the doom and gloom surrounding the state of the economy, it's nice to see a surplus at all. But what does this mean for the average American?

According to the USDA, farm exports support 1.15 million jobs in the United States, and Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack is optimistic about the sector's continued growth.

"As long as we continue to focus on those countries with these emerging middle classes, and focus on countries that are open totrade agreements, that open their markets as much as our markets are open, we're always going to do well," Vilsack said in a recent interview with the Associated Press.

While many have been concerned about China's rapidly growing economy, rural America has been cashing in on that growing demand and using it to create opportunities here at home. With higher GDP, comes greater demand for safe and affordable food. And no one does that better than U.S. farmers andranchers.

A recent Huffington Post article pointed out that while agriculture makes up about 9 percent of U.S. exports, compared with the 80 percent from manufacturing, Commerce Department data shows that farm exports grew much faster—123 percent, than manufacturing exports—68 percent, over the past decade.

This tremendous growth in exports is a win for the economy as well as the American consumer.

Because of vast technological advancements and major developments in agricultural research, growers are able to produce more food, feed, fiber, and fuel on less land, allowing them to provide the same quality and affordable food as they always have at home, while exporting more and more abroad.

Here's hoping the American economy's shining star continues to rise.