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
Tyson’s closure reflects deep supply shortages in the U.S. cattle industry, tightening packing capacity, weakening competition, and signaling more volatility ahead for cow-calf producers and feedyards.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
Sen. Roger Marshall discusses the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and what expanded milk options could mean for students and dairy farmers. Industry groups say it is a win for student nutrition and dairy producers.
Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage Two will disburse around $16 billion, approved by Congress last year. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until April to return applications.
Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.
Row crop losses in 2025 are outpacing last year. With no disaster aid yet approved, many operations face a tough financial bridge to 2026 even as Farm Bill improvements remain a year away.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.
Tennessee Rep. John Rose joined us to pay tribute to his friend and colleague, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a true Champion of Rural America.
China continues to buy U.S. soybeans toward its 12 MMT commitment, as analysts cite data gaps, delivery timing questions, and muted market reaction.
FarmHER Nikki Boxler, aka The Maple Farmer, blends tradition with innovation, tapping into a bold new future for maple syrup.
As the new year begins, both farmers and rural families are taking stock of their finances and planning ahead for 2026.
Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.