Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has now visited natural disaster-stricken parts of western North Carolina.
During her visit, Rollins surveyed damage caused by recent wildfires and last fall’s hurricanes. She toured the Blue Ridge Parkway, received a wildfire operational briefing, and participated in a U.S. Forest Service roundtable with Asheville leaders.
She shared in a statement:
“I met with North Carolinians who have suffered unimaginable loss from recent natural disasters. The U.S. Forest Service was well-prepared, assessing wildfire risks in advance and strategically positioning resources to respond quickly. Thanks to their efforts, they were able to contain the fires swiftly... USDA continues to work closely with state and local agencies, as well as first responders, to support these communities and restore the public lands that so many rural residents depend on.”
The Ranger Road Fire is fully contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres. Ranchers face significant cattle and fence losses, with recovery efforts underway.
February 26, 2026 01:04 PM
·
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital officially becomes Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, marking a new era of compassionate, world-class pediatric care in Tennessee.
February 26, 2026 12:26 PM
·
Delays on year-round E15 keep potential corn demand and fuel savings in limbo.
February 26, 2026 10:53 AM
·
Analysts warn the closed U.S.-Mexico border is straining cattle supplies and packing capacity. StoneX and USDA data point to long-term industry shifts.
February 25, 2026 12:37 PM
·
Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joined us with the latest on the Oklahoma wildfires, recovery efforts for ranchers, and the role agriculture leaders are playing in supporting rural communities.
February 25, 2026 12:13 PM
·
USDA’s 2026 Food Price Outlook projects food prices rising 3.1%, with higher beef costs and falling egg prices shaping consumer trends.
February 25, 2026 11:46 AM
·
