Earlier this month the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously voted to advance Brooke Rollins to head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). After being considered by the full U.S. Senate, she was confirmed today as the new Secretary of Agriculture.
House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement:
“Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture. Brooke is a proven leader who understands the challenges facing farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. She is taking the helm of USDA at a critical juncture for our producers, and her experience and commitment to agriculture will be invaluable as we work together to strengthen the farm economy. I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to deliver results for rural America and the hardworking men and women of agriculture.”
House Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN-02) released the following statement:
“I congratulate Secretary Rollins on her confirmation. Secretary Rollins begins her new role at a critical time for American agriculture. Family farmers are struggling with high input costs and low prices; tariffs are being proposed that will raise costs on American producers and American consumers; the agricultural workforce is being threatened; and Congress is behind schedule in passing a new, bipartisan farm bill. If we want to tackle these challenges in a way that supports family farmers and the communities they feed, we will need to work together. I look forward to building a strong working relationship with Secretary Rollins as ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee.”
The National Council of Farm Cooperatives released the following statement on Rollins’s confirmation:
“On behalf of America’s farmer cooperatives, I would like to congratulate Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture today. In this role, Secretary Rollins will lead an agency that impacts the operations of every farm and ranch in the country and touches every local community across rural America. She will also serve as the voice of producers within the Trump administration at a critical moment. NCFC looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins on a range of issues within USDA that impact farmer co-ops and their members.”
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Lori Stevermer, a pork producer from Easton, Minn., released the following statement:
“Congratulations to Secretary Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to lead USDA. America’s pork producers are eager to work with Secretary Rollins to fix the multitude of problems caused by California Proposition 12 and ensure farm families have reasonable policies to pass down our farms to future generations.”
During her confirmation hearing, Rollins committed to working with Congress to address the problems caused by Prop. 12. Rollins said Prop. 12 “…is not just affecting California. It’s affecting multitudes of other states, multitudes of other parts of the ag community, including our hog family farms.”
NPPC looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins on additional pork industry priorities, including the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, U.S. pork export promotion, federal pork purchases, and foreign animal disease prevention, preparation, and response.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:
“USMEF congratulates Secretary Rollins on her confirmation and we look forward to working with her and the USDA team to expand global demand for U.S. red meat. As evidenced by the strong bipartisan support her nomination received in the U.S. Senate, Secretary Rollins is recognized as a champion for U.S. agriculture and a powerful advocate for free market principles.”
National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane also issued a statement congratulating Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
“We are pleased with the bipartisan confirmation of Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture. We know Secretary Rollins will prioritize passing a Farm Bill, protecting America’s cattle herd from the threat of foreign animal disease, and ensuring USDA is focused on supporting America’s cattle farmers and ranchers instead of covering them in red tape. NCBA looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins to passionately defend our rural communities and America’s cattle raising legacy.”
National Sorghum Producers Chairwoman Amy France, a sorghum farmer from Scott City, Kan., issued the following statement “today regarding Brooke Rollins’ confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture:
“We congratulate Secretary Rollins on her confirmation and welcome her leadership at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Her proven commitment to rural America and her innovative vision will play a vital role in advancing our nation’s agricultural industry.
“Sorghum farmers are proud to contribute to homegrown fuels, sustainable farming, and the production of high-quality, nutrient-dense foods for domestic and global consumption. We are eager to work alongside Secretary Rollins to create opportunities that support farmers, strengthen rural economies, and ensure a thriving future for American agriculture.”
National Chicken Council President Harrison Kircher released the following statement in response to today’s confirmation:
“On behalf of America’s chicken producers, I want to congratulate Ms. Rollins on today’s well-deserved confirmation to be our next Secretary of Agriculture. I know she will be a strong advocate for our nation’s agricultural communities and will fight for America’s farmers and food producers.
“During the last four years, the Biden administration has imposed a non-scientific and costly regulatory agenda on the chicken industry. We are eager to get to work with Secretary Rollins and her team to advance policies that strengthen the chicken industry and more importantly, provide relief to American consumers who have been struggling with inflation and high food prices, including:
- Seeking assurances to protect U.S. chicken exports should vaccination be contemplated as part of any government strategy to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI or Bird Flu);
- Rescinding controversial Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA) contracting rules that were scrapped during President Trump’s first term and brought back from the dead under President Biden. The rules would empower trial attorneys to file and potentially win frivolous lawsuits against meat and poultry processors, impose billions of dollars in costs, and inflict massive litigation risk upon the chicken industry for no quantifiable benefit;
- Initiating new rulemaking that would provide certainty by allowing chicken processing facilities to operate above traditional line speed restrictions – which has been piloted and studied for more than two decades – thus increasing our global competitiveness; and
- Withdrawing ineffective and impossible-to-implement proposed regulations relating to Salmonella and poultry that would increase the price of chicken and cause millions of pounds of safe, wholesome product to be sent to landfills rather than dinner tables. All with no quantifiable impact on public health.”
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew gave the following statement today:
“I offer my congratulations to Secretary Rollins on her confirmation on behalf of Farmers Union’s family farmer and rancher members across the country. The Secretary of Agriculture is an incredibly influential public servant role, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) work impacts every farmer, rancher, and rural American across the country.
“I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to ensure the continued growth of our nation’s agriculture economy and build a strong future for family farmers and ranchers. With a deep background in rural Texas and agricultural education paired with a career in policy at the state and federal levels, Secretary Rollins will provide a unique perspective as Agriculture Secretary.
“USDA plays a critical role in serving agriculture effectively and equitably. I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to address the priorities NFU members continue to elevate: strengthening risk management tools for farmers, ensuring fairness in the marketplace, supporting the next generation of producers, protecting independent family farms from corporate concentration, expanding conservation programs that improve soil health and reduce input costs, advancing mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, and securing policies that ensure farmers receive a fair share of the food dollar.”
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) CEO Chandler Goule responded with the following statement.
“Congratulations Secretary Brooke Rollins. I appreciate Mrs. Rollins committing to getting the much-needed economic assistance for wheat producers rolled out during her confirmation hearing, as well as her interest in getting a long-term, meaningful farm bill signed into law this year that strengthens the farm safety net. NAWG looks forward to working with you to deliver real results for wheat growers and rural America.”
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor congratulated Rollins, on her confirmation by the U.S. Senate, saying:
“USDA Secretary Rollins made it clear during her confirmation hearings that she understands the key role America’s farmers and biofuel producers will play in President Trump’s efforts to restore rural prosperity and unleash U.S. energy dominance,” said Skor. “We look forward to working with her to create jobs, rebuild farm revenues, and ensure that all Americans can save money at the pump by expanding access to homegrown biofuels.”
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney issued the following statement of congratulations:
“The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture congratulates the Honorable Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to lead USDA as the 33rd U.S. agriculture secretary. Rollin’s policy crafting experience and passion for opportunities for agriculture will contribute tangible impacts for American farmers and ranchers and people around the globe who enjoy U.S. food products.
NASDA is enthusiastic to work with the secretary on our priorities including increasing economic opportunities for farmers, ranchers and food producers, advancing a new farm bill, improving Americans’ access to nutrient-dense foods and ensuring American agriculture can continue to provide the most secure, affordable and nutritious food supply in the world.
As co-regulators with the federal government on agricultural, food and environmental policies, NASDA will work with the secretary to ensure agriculture leads the way toward a healthy and resilient world.”
In response, Kenneth Hartman Jr, president of the National Corn Growers Association, released the following statement:
“Corn growers congratulate Brooke Rollins for being confirmed as the new secretary of Agriculture. Secretary Rollins will play an important role in President Trump’s cabinet, providing leadership and vision for America’s farmers and the agricultural community. We look forward to meeting with her and working together to address issues of importance to the nation’s corn growers, including establishing new trade agreements, expanding the use of biofuels and passing a new and robust farm bill.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented:
“Farm Bureau congratulates Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to be Secretary of Agriculture. We look forward to her leadership as she takes over USDA at a critical time for America’s farmers and ranchers.
“Farm and ranch families are looking for a champion and a voice as they continue to face economic headwinds, labor challenges and uncertainty over the rural impacts of Washington’s current policy debates. Ms. Rollins will need to hit the ground running to ensure the administration understands the challenges farmers and ranchers are facing.
“With a heart for agriculture and rural America, we’re confident she’ll prioritize the distribution of disaster and economic aid, ensure adequate staffing for the essential functions of USDA agencies, keep USDA’s contractual promises with farmers, advocate for trade policy that maintains and grows markets for our agricultural products, and work with Congress to pass a modernized farm bill.
“The list is long, but we know she’s up to the challenge. Sec. Rollins knows her way around Washington and her experience navigating complex policies will serve agriculture well in the years to come. She will need a strong team built around her leadership, so we encourage the Senate to quickly confirm the remaining positions at USDA, including deputy secretary and undersecretaries. We stand ready to roll up our sleeves and work with USDA, and the new administration, to ensure government policy positions farmers to manage the many risks and barriers in front of us so we can keep America’s pantries stocked.”
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) applauds Brooke Rollins’ confirmation to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Secretary Rollins will lead USDA’s broad mandate to support American producers, communities, food safety and security, working lands conservation, and more.
Last month, NACD joined hundreds of agriculture and conservation organizations in sending a letter to the leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee supporting Brooke Rollins’ nomination. The Committee advanced her nomination by a unanimous vote and the full Senate approved her confirmation by vote of 72-28.
“NACD applauds Brooke Rollins’ confirmation to serve as our new Secretary of Agriculture,” said NACD President Kim LaFleur. “Secretary Rollins takes the helm at a critical time for our country’s agricultural communities and the natural resources conservation that underpins robust and resilient production. NACD looks forward to working with the Secretary and her staff to support American producers and strengthen our country’s voluntary, locally led conservation delivery system.”
A graduate of Texas A&M University and University of Texas Law School, Secretary Rollins previously served as President and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, and President and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
The American Soybean Association extended its congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary.
ASA President Caleb Ragland, a soybean farmer from Kentucky, said, “ASA looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins on a variety of key priorities, from the farm bill and biotechnology to biofuels support and agricultural trade, all of which have a significant impact on U.S. soybean farmers and the broader agricultural community. Additionally, ASA is committed to working with Secretary Rollins as USDA reviews conservation programs. Soy growers are dedicated to land preservation and actively participate in initiatives like Projects for Climate Smart Commodities and NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program. These programs are vital to support farmers’ conservation goals and ASA appreciates the secretary’s commitment to advancing USDA’s role in this important area.”
ASA welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Rollins’ leadership on issues that are critical to the continued success of agriculture, both domestically and globally.
The National Cotton Council (NCC) congratulated Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as the new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
The NCC is confident as Ms. Rollins steps in as the new Secretary of Agriculture that her knowledge and commitment to producers and rural America will be vital in our efforts to strengthen the farm economy. The NCC looks forward to collaborating with Secretary Rollins to bring about positive developments for cotton and all of agriculture.
On behalf of America’s largest organization exclusively representing independent cattle and sheep producers, R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard issued the following statement, congratulating Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
“R-CALF USA looks forward to collaborating with Secretary Rollins to advance critical policy reforms, including the reinstatement of mandatory country of origin labeling for beef, the reversal of the electronic identification ear tag mandate, and the finalization of key Packers and Stockyards Act rulemakings. Now is the time for the USDA to take decisive action to support the profitability and prosperity of America’s independent cattle and sheep-producing families.”
United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) President Justin Tupper offered the following
remarks:
“USCA is eager to get to work with the Secretary and the new Administration. The U.S. cattle
industry is facing issues within animal health and ID, trade, and our domestic markets; the
Senate’s swift confirmation of Secretary Rollins will ensure we are able to continue work on
these issues without interruption.
Secretary Rollins noted many of the issues facing rural America and the U.S. agriculture industry
in her confirmation hearing. The Secretary specifically highlighted proposed efforts to expand
market access, address current animal disease issues, and to ensure new tariffs benefit American
farmers and ranchers.
We commend the Senate for their quick confirmation of Secretary Rollins and look forward to
working with her in this transition and over the next four years.”
