Ag leaders are putting support behind Ag Sec. nominee Brooke Rollins

A member of President Trump’s circle is weighing in on Brooke Rollins’ nomination.

Ray Starling served as Chief of Staff for Sonny Perdue and was an ag advisor during Trump’s first term.

He has nothing but support for Rollins and says her relationship with Trump will be a tremendous asset.

“Part of being the Secretary of Agriculture or of being any cabinet secretary is knowing how to navigate the relationships with other secretaries, and most importantly, the relationship with the President. Brooke has that she has been a part of the policy apparatus the America First policy institute has been its leader. So it tells you she’s got these management skills, she’s got this policy capability. But most importantly, she’s got the relationships so that if the ag community needs the president’s ear, Brooks going to be able to deliver on that.”

Other nominees are also waiting for their time before committees, and that includes Robert F Kennedy Jr., who Trump tapped to run Health and Human Services. Starling says Rollins will help him guide policy.

Related Stories
The new WOTUS proposal narrows federal jurisdiction, restores key agricultural exclusions, and gives farmers clearer permitting rules after years of regulatory uncertainty.
Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.
The ACRE Act modestly reduces farmland borrowing costs now, with more savings possible once federal guidance clarifies which loans qualify.
ARC-CO delivers the bulk of 2024 support, offering key margin relief as producers manage tight operating conditions.
Higher menu prices and tax-free tips are reshaping restaurant economics, sharply lifting server take-home pay even as diners face higher out-the-door costs.
U.S. Trade officials announced new deals with El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina, as well as a steep reduction in tariffs on Swiss imports.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Weather, Tight Supplies, and Planning Shape Farm Decisions
Cotton demand depends on demonstrating performance and reliability buyers can rely on, not messaging alone.
Read the full press release published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Lily Pryer’s passion shows how National FFA members are making an impact in classrooms and communities all across Rural America.
A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
Shaun Haney, Host of RealAg Radio on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147, joined us with his 2026 cattle market outlook and insights on beef prices.