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: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.