“Never Easy to Change the Status Quo": Sec. Rollins comments on the current trade situation

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins faced tough questions this week from a Senate Subcommittee.

She is standing by President Trump’s plans for trade and says that while things may get rocky, she plans to keep the conversations going.

“It’s never easy to change the status quo. The easiest thing for us to do is just say, ‘Oh, it’s great, and we don’t want to make anyone mad, and let’s just keep moving forward and keep adding money to the programs.’ This is what I believe voters asked for, and we’ll continue to have these discussions.”

Rollins emphasized USDA’s commitment to taxpayers, saying several programs, like the McGovern-Dole program, must return to their original intent. She also said she will lay out her plan next week to re-organize USDA, which will include bringing back some Farm Service Agency and APHIS staff.

Related Stories
Current estimates indicate the federal government could be forced to return more than $150 billion to importers.
Aimee Bissell discusses Iowa planting progress, weather conditions, fertilizer costs, and concerns over early crop development.
Farmers are closely watching upcoming U.S.-China trade talks as rising fertilizer and diesel costs continue to pressure exports, margins, and rural economies.
Stronger overseas demand for both fuel ethanol and feed co-products continues to reinforce corn use beyond the domestic market.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney joins us to discuss geopolitical trade tensions, energy market volatility, and what global shifts could mean for U.S. agriculture exports.
New trade access, tariff concerns and international negotiations are reshaping the global beef market.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation shares how teens are helping fuel stronger demand for traditional U.S. dairy products.
The latest Meat Demand Monitor shows strong retail demand for beef products like ribeye steaks and ground beef.
Corey Rosenbusch, President & CEO of The Fertilizer Institute, discusses fertilizer markets transparency efforts and the steps to ensure long-term stability for farmers and the ag economy.
Analysts say poor crop conditions seen on the annual Hard Red Winter Wheat Tour, combined with cheaper overseas grain supplies, are weighing on the industry as the annual tour wraps up.
Mike Wilson says years of hard work and stewardship helped transform the farm for future generations.
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum joins us to break down what year-round E15 passage could mean for agriculture, energy markets, and the future of renewable fuels in the United States.