“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
Global trade teams and summit discussions highlight expanding opportunities for U.S. corn and ethanol exports as nations explore renewable fuel options and reduced-carbon energy pathways.
Soybean farmer and Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge highlights why the U.S. trade standoff with China is especially critical for Arkansas producers.
President Donald Trump says a deal is nearly done on lowering beef prices, but he has not released details.
Large carryover stocks continue to put pressure on commodity prices, creating uncertainty for growers looking to market their grain.
Peel says Mexico has a much greater capability to expand its beef industry than it did 20 or 30 years ago in terms of its feeding and packing infrastructure.
The impacts of the government shutdown have reached commodity growers with crops to move, ag economists monitoring the harvest without key data reporting, and meat producers in need of new export markets.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
Strong crush demand and rising ethanol production are pressuring feedstocks, as traders monitor storage risks and supply chain uncertainty and await the upcoming January WASDE report.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation plans to expand its global market presence in the New Year and says it is focusing its appeal on the growing middle class worldwide.
New World Screwworm cases in Mexico, including one within 200 miles of the U.S. border, are adding pressure to livestock markets and trade decisions.
Dr. Seth Meyer Concludes Service; Dr. Justin Benavidez Appointed USDA Chief Economist