Brooke Rollins Was Just Confirmed as the Next USDA Secretary of Agriculture. Here’s How the Industry Reacted

The U.S. Senate confirmed Brooke Rollins as the next USDA Secretary in a 72-28 vote on Thursday. The 33rd secretary’s confirmation comes 83 days after President Trump first announced his surprise pick for the cabinet position.

Rollins is a graduate of Texas A&M University and University of Texas Law School. She previously served as President and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, and President and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Agriculture groups ranging from commodity organizations to biofuels advocates reacted to the confirmation, stressing their priorities for the new USDA leader.

Commodity Groups

National Corn Growers Association

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is a farmer-led trade organization that represents the interests of more than 300,000 farmers.

NCGA congratulated Rollins and acknowledged her “important role” in Trump’s cabinet. “We look forward to meeting with her and working together to address issues of importance to the nation’s corn growers, including establishing new trade agreements, expanding the use of biofuels, and passing a new and robust farm bill,” said Illinois farmer and NCGA president Kenneth Hartman, Jr.

American Soybean Association

The American Soybean Association (ASA) “represents U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and international policy issues important to the soybean industry.” The organization has 26 affiliated state associations representing 30 soybean-producing states and nearly 500,000 soybean farmers.

ASA President Caleb Ragland, a soybean farmer from Kentucky, identified top priorities for Rollins and the USDA including the farm bill, biotechnology, biofuels support, and agricultural trade. 

Ragland said, “Additionally, ASA is committed to working with Secretary Rollins as USDA reviews conservation programs. Soy growers are dedicated to land preservation and actively participate in initiatives like Projects for Climate Smart Commodities and NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program. These programs are vital to support farmers’ conservation goals, and ASA appreciates the secretary’s commitment to advancing USDA’s role in this important area.”

National Association of Wheat Growers

National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) is the “primary policy representative in Washington D.C. for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America’s growers, the industry and the general public.”

NAWG CEO Chandler Goule congratulated Rollins and said, “I appreciate Mrs. Rollins committing to getting the much-needed economic assistance for wheat producers rolled out during her confirmation hearing, as well as her interest in getting a long-term, meaningful farm bill signed into law this year that strengthens the farm safety net.”

National Sorghum Producers

National Sorghum Producers (NSP) “represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry coast to coast through legislative and regulatory representation and education.”

NSP Chairwoman Amy France, a sorghum farmer from Scott City, Kansas, said, “Sorghum farmers are proud to contribute to homegrown fuels, sustainable farming, and the production of high-quality, nutrient-dense foods for domestic and global consumption. We are eager to work alongside Secretary Rollins to create opportunities that support farmers, strengthen rural economies, and ensure a thriving future for American agriculture.”

Biofuels Industry

Growth Energy

As the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, Growth Energy is “the leading voice of America’s biofuel industry.”

Offering her congratulations, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said, “USDA Secretary Rollins made it clear during her confirmation hearings that she understands the key role America’s farmers and biofuel producers will play in President Trump’s efforts to restore rural prosperity and unleash U.S. energy dominance.” 

Skor added, “We look forward to working with her to create jobs, rebuild farm revenues, and ensure that all Americans can save money at the pump by expanding access to homegrown biofuels.”

Renewable Fuels Association

The Renewable Fuels Association is a trade association for the U.S. ethanol industry with a mission to drive expanded demand for American-made renewable fuels and bioproducts worldwide.

RFA president and CEP Geoff Cooper said, “Throughout the confirmation process, we were encouraged to hear Secretary Rollins state that renewable fuels like ethanol will be a big part of President Trump’s energy dominance strategy and that she will defend and elevate all sources of American-made energy.”

Cooper added, “At a time when the farm economy is struggling, we encourage Secretary Rollins to use all the tools in USDA’s toolbox to open and expand markets for ethanol and its valuable co-products.”

American Coalition for Ethanol

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is “a leading coalition of ethanol producers aimed at informing consumers and elected officials about the benefits of ethanol and its impact on jobs, the economy, reducing greenhouse gases, and more.”

ACE CEO Biran Jennings said the coalition looks forward to working with Rollins on priority issues including “advancing our USDA RCPP projects aimed at ensuring farmers and biofuel producers get properly rewarded for sustainable farming practices under clean fuel programs and tax incentives such as the 45Z Clean Fuel Production credit. As 45Z guidance is finalized by the Trump Treasury, we will encourage Secretary Rollins to leverage USDA’s guidelines for crops used as biofuel feedstocks to help maximise opportunities for farmers and ethanol producers.”

Jennings added, “We will also engage USDA on promoting further biofuel infrastructure funding opportunities for E15 and E85, as well as strengthening existing export and new SAF [Sustainable Aviation Fuel] market opportunities.”

Iowa Biodiesel Board

The Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) “represents the biodiesel industry in Iowa, from the farmers who grow the feedstock, to production, through distribution to end users.”

Grant Kimberley, executive director of the IBB said, “The Iowa Biodiesel Board looks forward to collaborating with Secretary Rollins and the administration to ensure continued growth for biodiesel and the farmers whose livelihoods it helps support.”

Kimberly added, “Biodiesel is a cornerstone of Iowa agriculture, providing critical value to our soybean farmers while delivering American-grown fuel solutions. Yet our biodiesel producers are in a frustrating state of limbo, with several Iowa plants are currently idled. This is the result of key policies like the 45Z biodiesel tax credit and the Renewable Fuel Standard in question. We urge Secretary Rollins to prioritize these programs that strengthen rural economies, create jobs and enhance energy security, and look forward to helping in any way.”

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) “represents the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth.” Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production.

IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw congratulated and expressed his priorities for Rollins: “The best way to support farmers and boost rural communities is to promote a robust role for homegrown renewable fuels. Step one is year-round E15 and getting HBIIP back on track following a pause in funding. Then we need to aggressively expand exports utilizing a strong MAP/FMD program. Working together, biofuels will be an important part in building American energy dominance.” 

HBIIP is the Higher Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program that provided cost-share grants to retailers to install equipment to sell higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.

MAP/FMD is the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program designed to assist with promoting exports of various agricultural commodities and value-added products like renewable fuels and co-products.

Livestock Organizations

National Pork Producers Council

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is a trade association representing U.S. pork producers and other industry stakeholders.

NPPC President Lori Stevermer, a pork producer from Easton, Minnesota, congratulated Rollins and said, “America’s pork producers are eager to work with Secretary Rollins to fix the multitude of problems caused by California Proposition 12 and ensure farm families have reasonable policies to pass down our farms to future generations.”

Severmer recalled Rollins’ commitment to working with Congress to address the problems caused by Prop. 12 made during her confirmation hearing. Rollins said Prop. 12 “…is not just affecting California. It’s affecting multitudes of other states, multitudes of other parts of the ag community, including our hog family farms.”

In addition to Prop 12, NPPC said other priorities for USDA collaboration include the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, U.S. pork export promotion, federal pork purchases, and foreign animal disease prevention, preparation, and response.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) “has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef.”

Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane said, “We know Secretary Rollins will prioritize passing a farm bill, protecting America’s cattle herd from the threat of foreign animal disease, and ensuring USDA is focused on supporting America’s cattle farmers and ranchers instead of covering them in red tape. NCBA looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins to passionately defend our rural communities and America’s cattle raising legacy.”

Agriculture Banking and Business

Farm Credit Council

Farm Credit “supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services, today and tomorrow.”

President and CEO Christy Seyfert said, “As America’s farmers and ranchers face a range of challenges, it is crucial to have leaders who understand the unique needs of agriculture. For more than a century, Farm Credit has provided reliable, consistent credit and financial services to rural America, and we look forward to continuing our important mission in good times and in bad. We welcome the opportunity to work with Secretary Rollins to advance policies that strengthen rural communities and benefit producers.”

National Farmers Union

The National Farmers Union (NFU) represents family farmers and ranchers across the country, with formally organized divisions in 33 states. The organization has a grassroots structure in which policy positions are initiated locally.

NFU President Rob Larew noted the “unique perspective” Rollins brings to the department and said, “USDA plays a critical role in serving agriculture effectively and equitably. I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to address the priorities NFU members continue to elevate: strengthening risk management tools for farmers, ensuring fairness in the marketplace, supporting the next generation of producers, protecting independent family farms from corporate concentration, expanding conservation programs that improve soil health and reduce input costs, advancing mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, and securing policies that ensure farmers receive a fair share of the food dollar.”

The Fertilizer Institute

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is “the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry.” TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms.

TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch expressed confidence in Rollins’ leadership and said, “TFI looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins to strengthen American agriculture and meet head-on the challenges facing our industry as we continue to provide the nutrients that feed, fuel, and clothe a growing world.”

National Association of Conservation Districts

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is the nonprofit organization “that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state and territory associations, and the 17,000 individuals who serve on their governing boards.”

NACD President Kim LaFleur. “Secretary Rollins takes the helm at a critical time for our country’s agricultural communities and the natural resources conservation that underpins robust and resilient production. NACD looks forward to working with the Secretary and her staff to support American producers and strengthen our country’s voluntary, locally led conservation delivery system.”

National Grain and Feed Association

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) members are grain, feed, processing, exporting, and other grain-related companies that operate facilities handling U.S. grains and oilseeds. The organization consists of 27 affiliated state and regional grain and feed associations.

Mike Seyfert, NGFA’s President and CEO, expressed confidence in Rollins’ “wealth of knowledge and a clear vision” after being confirmed as USDA secretary.

“NGFA is committed to advancing priorities that align with the needs of American agriculture, including a robust transportation infrastructure to ensure the safe and speedy movement of agricultural goods to market, a level playing field in the international marketplace to support global competitiveness, passage of policies designed to help the rural economy prosper, and reduced regulatory burdens to spur investment and encourage efficiency across the food and agriculture sector. We look forward to partnering with Secretary Rollins on these key issues and others to strengthen rural America and create opportunities for U.S. agribusinesses,” Seyfert said.

Plant Based Products Council

The Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) “represents businesses large and small that are working to guide the global economy toward more sustainable and responsible consumer products and packaging through greater use of plant-based materials.” The organization supports and advocates for programs that support the circular bioeconomy.

In a statement, PBPC Executive Director James Glueck said, “The plant-based products industry has a great history of partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and PBPC is enthusiastic to see Brooke Rollins continue that tradition of support. Her bipartisan confirmation comes at a critical time for the ag bioeconomy as we advance solutions that provide markets for American farmers, increase domestic manufacturing and jobs in rural communities, and offer innovative options that meet consumers’ demands. Our industry stands ready to work alongside the Trump Administration in its efforts to improve the farm economy and foster our country’s great strengths of innovation and manufacturing.”

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities.

In response to Rollins’ confirmation Mike Lavender, NSAC Policy Director said, “Secretary Rollins’ first order of business must be to relieve and reverse the pain and confusion being felt by farmers and communities nationwide from the federal funding freeze. This includes honoring legal obligations to farmers and organizations by immediately releasing funding on all signed contracts. For weeks now, farmers and communities have been subjected to the chaos and uncertainty of an indiscriminate federal funding freeze, including unlawful contract terminations. Other critical work lies ahead – to deliver disaster relief to uninsured producers, and to steer the USDA toward supporting the economic viability of all farmers and communities. We look forward to sharing our members’ experiences and priorities with Secretary Rollins and the USDA.”

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is “the largest statewide, grassroots farm organization in Iowa, celebrating more than 100 years of creating a vibrant future for agriculture, farm families and their communities.”

IFBF President Brent Johnson said, “Iowa farmers look forward to working with Secretary Rollins and USDA to take on the challenges facing agriculture today while cultivating new opportunities.” 

State and Federal Government Officials

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) is “a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories.”

NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said, “NASDA is enthusiastic to work with the secretary on our priorities including increasing economic opportunities for farmers, ranchers and food producers, advancing a new farm bill, improving Americans’ access to nutrient-dense foods, and ensuring American agriculture can continue to provide the most secure, affordable, and nutritious food supply in the world.”

McKinney added, “As co-regulators with the federal government on agricultural, food and environmental policies, NASDA will work with the secretary to ensure agriculture leads the way toward a healthy and resilient world.”

House Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig

House Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN-02) said, “Secretary Rollins begins her new role at a critical time for American agriculture. Family farmers are struggling with high input costs and low prices; tariffs are being proposed that will raise costs on American producers and American consumers; the agricultural workforce is being threatened; and Congress is behind schedule in passing a new, bipartisan farm bill. If we want to tackle these challenges in a way that supports family farmers and the communities they feed, we will need to work together. 

Craig added, “I look forward to building a strong working relationship with Secretary Rollins as ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee.”

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig congratulated Rollins and said, “Clearly, President Trump has selected a highly capable and accomplished individual to lead USDA. Secretary Rollins’ commitment to returning USDA to its core mission of supporting all of agriculture is exactly the focus our country needs right now. I am confident that she will be an effective advocate for farmers, ensuring that President Trump’s policies reflect their needs and support the vitality of our rural communities.”

Naig added, “The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship partners with USDA on many initiatives and issues, including Farm Bill programs, trade, food safety, foreign animal disease preparedness and response, conservation, and so much more. We are ready to work with Secretary Rollins and her talented team, and I look forward to welcoming her to Iowa very soon.”

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen said, “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with Secretary Rollins. I know that she will be a strong representative at the federal level on issues related to ensuring our nation’s food supply, creating new export markets, and meeting the needs of our nation’s farmers and ranchers. I’ve extended an invitation to Secretary Rollins so she can see first-hand how we utilize our natural resources, innovative technologies and strong work ethic to propel Nebraska to be a top ag producer. I look forward to the time when we can make that visit happen.”

Specialty Agriculture

International Fresh Produce Association

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the “largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support.” The association said it has a long history of collaborating with the USDA to drive the growth and prosperity of the fresh produce industry while improving the health and well-being of all Americans.

IFPA is dedicated to advocating for policies that reduce regulatory burdens, enhance nutrition programs, and improve the economic viability of fresh produce businesses.

“We look forward to working closely with Secretary Rollins and USDA leadership to champion initiatives that empower fresh produce businesses to thrive,” IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said. “By working together, IFPA and USDA can support U.S. growers and promote better public health. Under Secretary Rollins’ leadership, USDA can ensure a strong, competitive, and sustainable fresh produce supply chain for both growers and consumers.”