Farm Progress America, Jan. 27, 2025

Source: Farm Progress. The original article is posted here.

Farm Progress America, Jan. 27, 2025

Mike Pearson takes a look at the next nominee for USDA Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins.

The Senate ag committee convened on Thursday to question Rollins and find out what she is all about.

Rollins has a background in ag and government.

She outlined her priorities at the USDA including expediting disaster funding for producers.

Her four top items are modernizing the USDA, deploying aid to the areas hit hard by weather disasters in 202r, addressing animal disease outbreaks and a look at the tight margins hitting farmers hard.

Rollins pledged to deploy relief funds due to tight margins and the disasters ag faced in 2024.

She wants to find ways to combat threats like Avian influenza and African swine fever and keep livestock safe.

Rollins said she would cut burdensome regulation and try to ensure open markets for ag products.

Rollins also touched on biofuels but urges an all energy environment for the USA.

She emphasized the Renewable Fuel Standard will be upheld.

Rollins also expressed concerns over tariffs and aid they could be devastating but a necessary tool for the Trump administration.

All other questions are to be written and submitted to the committee. After the questions are answered, Rollins nomination is expected.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness .

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