RFD-TV, industry leaders, and markets react to the new Ag Secretary, Brooke Rollins

Brooke_Rollins_America First Policy Institute.jpg

The Honorable Brooke Rollins

America First Policy Institute

After weeks of closed-door talks, President-elect Donald Trump has made his pick for U.S. Agriculture Secretary.

He has nominated Brooke Rollins, who is currently the president of the America First Policy Institute and has been a strong supporter of President Trump during the campaign.

This is the nomination that we have been waiting on for some time now.

RFD-TV’s Suzanne Alexander spoke on who Brooke Rollins is, her agriculture background, and motherhood.

Industry groups are weighing in on the decision.

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says, “I congratulate Ms. Rollins on her nomination as Secretary of Agriculture, on behalf of National Farmers Union’s, farmer and rancher members across the country. I am hopeful her rural roots instilled in her the important role family farmers and ranchers play in supporting our nation’s economy.”

Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says, “We congratulate Brooke Rollins on her nomination to be Secretary of Agriculture. We’re pleased she has a good relationship with our state farm bureau in Texas and hope to build on it if she’s confirmed by the Senate. We’re encouraged by her statement that she’d ‘fight for America’s farmers and our nation’s agricultural communities.’”

NCBA’s Ethan Lane also weighed in saying, “From her time as a college student studying agriculture development, to her distinguished career in Texas and Washington, Brooke Rollins has a history of fighting for main street and rural America. America’s cattle producers need a Secretary of Agriculture who will protect family farms and ranches, roll back crushing regulations, and stand up for rural values.”

RFD-TV Market Specialists Tony St. James and Scott Shellady take a deep dive into how the markets are likely to respond.

Related Stories
AFBF Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, Dr. John Newton, explains the factors contributing to the growing financial strain in the ag sector and the urgent need for swift economic support.
One trader said the products entering the U.S. are primarily grind and trim, noting that the volume and type of beef, on its own, should not cause a major disruption. However, he says fund traders are reacting heavily to headlines rather than market realities.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen reviews the history of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and outlines how shifting definitions across multiple administrations have created regulatory confusion for landowners.
Leslee Oden, president of the National Turkey Federation, and Jay Jandrain, CEO of Butterball, joined us in the studio on Monday to discuss the history, significance, and expectations surrounding this year’s presidential turkey pardon.
These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.
Industry support ensures continued funding for mango marketing and research, helping sustain long-term demand growth.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
In a post to social media, Trump said Venezuela will buy American agriculture products and will use the money from oil sales to make it happen.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
Wed, 1/21/26 – 7:30 PM ET | 6:30 PM CT | 5:30 PM MT | 4:30 PM PT
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share insights on building healthy habits and improving rural health in the year ahead.