U.S. Secretary of Agriculture nominee Brooke Rollins’ confirmation hearing is underway.
After thanking her family and friends in attendance, she gave her opening statement, which included thanking potentially serving the men and women who provide the country with food and fiber.
“It is clear that we all agree that farmers and ranchers are the cornerstone of our nation’s communities. I commit to you today that if confirmed, I will do everything in my ability to make sure our farmers and ranchers and rural communities thrive.”
She also described her top priorities, if confirmed, which included faster deployment of financial aid to farmers, eradicating animal disease, the Farm Bill, and returning prosperity to rural America.
Watch her Confirmation Hearing
Rural population growth and stabilizing economic indicators point to post-pandemic recovery, but uneven income, shifting industries, and regional divides remain key challenges for rural communities.
January 23, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Decoupled base acres may amplify income inequality and distort planting decisions as farm program payments increase.
January 22, 2026 12:56 PM
·
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
January 21, 2026 10:36 AM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
January 20, 2026 11:48 AM
·
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
·
