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
RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports from Texas on the ongoing water dispute and its implications for U.S. farmers.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses the latest developments in the Supreme Court, trade tariffs, and the future of the USMCA under President Donald Trump.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today unveiled a bold plan to protect the nation’s prime farm and ranchland from the rapid spread of data centers.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said permanent access to the higher ethanol blend would provide farmers with much-needed certainty while supporting domestic crop demand.
Leadership development and bipartisan engagement remain central to advancing agriculture’s priorities in 2026.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
Ethanol and corn groups are not hiding their disappointment over new reports that the bill to allow year-round E15 sales failed as Congress forges ahead on government funding, with another shutdown looming.
While row crops are expected to see softer impacts, analysts say severe weather of this magnitude will not be as kind to cattle producers.
Cape Cod FarmHER Chloe Starr dives into the world of shellfish farming at one of the few oyster & clam hatcheries in the U.S.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to discuss seasonal affective disorder, winter mental health, and practical strategies for maintaining well-being in rural communities.
FWSSR Communications Director Matt Brockman discusses the event’s competitions, safety preparations, and family-friendly activities during the opening weekend.
From Junior Heifer Shows to Mustang Magic competitions, the 23-day event brings together 4-H and FFA participants, livestock enthusiasts, and families to celebrate North Texas’ rich Western heritage.