In this text, we encounter a description of the grasshoppers that are present in Rainy Mountain. The author tells us that these grasshoppers "pop up" like corn. This is meant to describe the way the insects jump out of the grass. By using this simile, the author is able to create a vivid picture of the animals, and thus enrich his description.
The basic meaning of willing is, "an expression of desire and consent."
Here, the words, "As I see it we can have no new deal until" convey Eleanor Roosevelt's appeal for cooperation and participation to women and other groups.
She means that we cannot move forward without the cooperation of intelligent, hard-working and determined women who decide to take part in matters of the country.