Secretary Rollins Engages Kentucky Farmers on First Official Trip

Feb 18, 2025

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins began her tenure with a visit to Kentucky, engaging directly with farmers and the agricultural community.

“On my very first trip after being sworn in as the US Secretary of Agriculture, it was my honor to address 15,000 freedom-loving patriots in Louisville, Kentucky at the National Farm Machinery Show,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “I also had the privilege of meeting with more than 100 farmers this morning and hearing directly from them about the challenges and opportunities they face. Every single day, I will fight for our farmers, ranchers, and American agriculture. Together, we are going to create a new era of rural prosperity across this great country.”

On Friday, Secretary Rollins addressed a crowd of 15,000 people at Freedom Hall during the National Farm Machinery Show and explored cutting-edge farm equipment alongside industry stakeholders. She also joined the Championship Tractor Pull, highlighting the importance of agricultural innovation and rural economies.

On Saturday morning, Secretary Rollins joined Fox & Friends live from Louisville, Kentucky to talk discuss tackling egg prices and President Trump’s trade priorities.

Secretary Rollins and Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell then travelled to Shelbyville, Kentucky to host a fireside chat and meet-and-greet with more than 100 local farmers at Gallrein Farms. They discussed issues facing farmers, such as avian flu, trade, and restoring rural prosperity.

Source : usda.gov

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.