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
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
Federal lawyers submitted a brief this week backing Bayer’s argument that federal laws governing herbicides like Roundup should prevent lawsuits over the popular chemical.
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
SDRP Stage 2 now helps producers recover shallow, uninsured losses from major 2023–2024 disasters, with streamlined sign-ups open through April 30.
The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.