Sec. Rollins hosts the inaugural “Farmers First” roundtable

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently hosted the inaugural “Farmers First” roundtable, where she got to learn firsthand some of the issues in rural America.

The meeting was hosted by USDA with more than 20 farmers and ranchers in attendance from 11 states. Rollins also signed an MOU between USDA and NASDA to improve collaborations between states.

She told the group there are many challenges right now to starting a new farm and says she realizes current operations are struggling.

While there, Rollins announced a new page to track the nearly $30 billion in disaster aid approved last fall. It includes timelines that USDA hopes to meet as well as important crop insurance deadlines.

Related Stories
Aimee Bissell discusses Iowa planting progress, weather conditions, fertilizer costs, and concerns over early crop development.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses SDRP payment limits and offers advice for those seeking higher limits.
Lawmakers advance FY27 agriculture funding bill, highlighting support for rural development, school lunches, disease response, and water issues.
National Pork Producers Council President Rob Brenneman joins us to discuss Prop 12 provisions in the House’s Farm Bill as it heads to the Senate for debate.
Officials say no additional spread has been detected as containment and monitoring efforts move forward.
U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Justin Tupper joins us to discuss the DOJ packer investigation, industry competition, and the outlook for cattle producers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The agriculture workforce’s struggles with labor issues in recent years have opened the door to more automation and integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
RanchHERs Lyn & Sherrie Ray breed horses and raise cattle in New Mexico, while also helping to mentor the next generation of ag leaders
Today in Wyoming, Rural Media Group’s late founder, Patrick Gottsch, will be inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame! The rodeo’s CEO, Tom Hirsing, joined us to share why Patrick is so deserving of this honor.
How one firm’s numbers compare to USDA data as farmers prepare for a massive corn and soybean harvest, and the significant issue brewing for beans if the U.S.'s longstanding bulk export to China falls through as they switch to offense on President Trump’s tariffs.
This Week in Louisiana Agriculture shows us why breaking even is going to be a challenge for corn producers across the state.