Government names Brooke Rollins to lead agriculture
President elect Trump has selected Brooke L. Rollins as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, emphasizing her commitment to advancing the agricultural sector and rural communities.
Rollins, 52, holds degrees in agriculture and law from Texas A&M University. Her roots in Glen Rose, Texas, and active involvement in farming programs like 4H reflect her deep connection to agriculture.
She expressed her gratitude on social media: “Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. It will be the honor of my life to fight for America’s farmers and our Nation’s agricultural communities. This is big stuff for a small-town ag girl from Glen Rose, TX — truly the American Dream at its greatest.”
With a $213 billion USDA budget under her supervision, Rollins will manage key programs, including rural economic development, school lunches, and farm aid. Her immediate priorities include shaping a new farm bill and distributing disaster relief funds for farmers, as Congress finalizes a $24 billion package.
Agricultural leaders have shown support for her appointment. Chuck Conner of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives highlighted her respect for rural communities, while Emily Skor of Growth Energy stressed the need for expanding biofuels.
Rollins, only the second woman to hold this position, aims to address rising input costs, market challenges, and weather-related disruptions while reinforcing rural economies. Her leadership signifies hope for a stronger, sustainable future in agriculture.