Ag Sec. Rollins takes new actions to reduce burdens on the U.S. pork and poultry industries

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced she is taking action to streamline pork and poultry processing, starting with line speeds.

Rollins says the Food Safety and Inspection Service will extend waivers, allowing pork and poultry facilities to keep line speeds higher. It is an area that USDA has studied extensively over the years and across Administrations.

She notes these studies have proven no link between processing speeds and injuries. Rollins says these moves are important to meet demand without excessive government interference. Rulemaking will start right away.

Related Stories
Rising production underscores the importance of marketing discipline and margin protection as milk supplies expand.
Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
More than 1,100 residents and farmers have signed a letter urging Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to step in, saying the proposal threatens irrigation supplies and long-term farm viability in the region.
Higher yields are cushioning lower acreage, but reduced production could support firmer potato prices into 2026.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg told RFD-TV News that we can only guess what Congress will do down the road. Still, the USDA recognizes its responsibility to spend resources efficiently and effectively.
Tight feeder supplies and lower placements indicate continued support for the cattle market, with regional impacts heightened in Texas by reduced feeder imports.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Wed, 2/18/26 – 7:30 PM ET
While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
American Farmland Trust shares guidance, research, and policy solutions to help farmers navigate the growing threat of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” contaminating U.S. farmland.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss winter safety reminders and preparedness.
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.