On Saturday, President-elect Donald Trump made a surprising choice by tapping Brooke Rollins to serve as the next USDA Secretary of Agriculture. This decision has sparked significant reactions within the agricultural industry and among various stakeholders.

Trump's Agricultural Leadership: Rollins at the Helm

National Sorghum Producers' Perspective

Amy France, a sorghum farmer from Scott City, Kansas, was among the first to comment on Trump's nomination. "We extend our congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her nomination. This is a crucial moment for U.S. agriculture, and we are optimistic about the opportunities her leadership will bring to rural America," said France, chairwoman of the National Sorghum Producers. "Sorghum farmers are at the forefront of innovation, contributing to domestic biofuels and heart-healthy, nutritious ancient grain foods. We are eager to collaborate with her to enhance policies that strengthen the sorghum industry and benefit growers nationwide."Sorghum farming is not just a traditional agricultural practice; it is a dynamic sector that holds great potential. The sorghum industry has been steadily growing, with farmers constantly exploring new ways to maximize its benefits. France's words highlight the significance of Rollins' role in supporting and promoting this growth.

National Corn Growers Association's View

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), representing over 300,000 farmers, also offered congratulations. President Kenneth Hartman Jr. stated, "We congratulate Brooke Rollins on her nomination. We look forward to working with her on issues crucial to production agriculture, such as expanding domestic and international markets for corn and improving farm and tax policies."Corn is a staple in the American agricultural landscape, and the NCGA's involvement showcases the importance of this crop. The association's efforts to expand markets and improve policies are essential for the continued success of corn farmers. Rollins' appointment provides an opportunity to address the challenges and opportunities facing the corn industry.

National Grain and Feed Association's Stand

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), consisting of various grain-related companies, released a statement. President and CEO Mike Seyfert said, "On behalf of our member companies, we congratulate Brooke Rollins on her nomination. NGFA's members represent a significant part of the food and agriculture chain, and we are excited to partner with her to deliver for U.S. agriculture. We are confident she will bring valuable insights to the issues important to our members and the entire food and agriculture chain."The grain and feed industry plays a vital role in the food supply chain, and the NGFA's support for Rollins emphasizes the need for a coordinated effort to ensure the success of this sector. Rollins' leadership is expected to have a positive impact on the entire food and agriculture ecosystem.

Growth Energy's Expectations

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor reacted to the nomination, stating, "Growth Energy looks forward to engaging with Secretary Designate Rollins and demonstrating how our industry is crucial for job growth and innovation in rural America. The USDA Secretary is the voice of rural America in the White House, and we will work hard to ensure Rollins is well-prepared to fulfill President Trump's rural agenda, expand markets for homegrown renewable fuel, and provide more low-cost options at the pump."Renewable energy is an emerging sector with significant potential, and Growth Energy's role in this context is crucial. Rollins' appointment allows for a focus on promoting renewable energy and its benefits for rural America.

American Farm Bureau Federation's Take

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), advocating for farmers and rural communities, congratulated Rollins. President Zippy Duvall said, "We are pleased she has a good relationship with our state Farm Bureau in Texas and hope to build on it if she is confirmed. We are encouraged by her statement that she will 'fight for America's farmers and our nation's agricultural communities.' Effective leadership at USDA is more important than ever as farmers face a struggling agricultural economy."The Farm Bureau's support highlights the need for strong leadership during challenging times. Rollins' commitment to representing farmers and rural communities is seen as essential for the future of agriculture.

American Soybean Association's Perspective

The American Soybean Association (ASA), with 26 affiliated state soybean associations, congratulated Rollins. The association said, "We look forward to working with her on priorities ranging from the farm bill to biotechnology, biofuels support to agricultural trade. Soybean farmers play a significant role in the U.S. economy, and Rollins' appointment provides an opportunity to address the issues that impact them."Soybean farming is a major industry, and the ASA's involvement shows the importance of considering the interests of soybean growers. Rollins' role in shaping policies related to soybeans is expected to have a profound impact on this sector.

National Farmers Union's Outlook

The National Farmers Union (NFU), representing family farmers across the country, congratulated Rollins. President Rob Larew said, "I hope her rural roots instilled in her the importance of family farmers. If confirmed, she will face historic challenges, and we are eager to collaborate on solutions to ensure fair markets and a vibrant rural economy."Family farmers are the backbone of American agriculture, and the NFU's focus on fair markets and a strong rural economy is crucial. Rollins' leadership is expected to address the challenges faced by family farmers.

Food and Environment Program's Concerns

The Food and Environment (F&E) Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists expressed concerns. Deputy Director Karen Perry Stillerman said, "Outside of a misdirected interest in Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland, Brooke Rollins appears to have no agricultural policy track record. This seems to be another example of loyalty-based cabinet appointments rather than expertise."The F&E Program's perspective raises questions about the need for agricultural expertise in the USDA secretary position. It emphasizes the importance of having a leader with a proven track record in agricultural policy.

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's Aspirations

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) congratulated Rollins and looked forward to working with her. CEO Ted McKinney said, "NASDA members look forward to working with a leader committed to ensuring agriculture leads the way toward a healthy and resilient world. As co-regulators, we will work with Brooke Rollins to seek innovative opportunities."NASDA's role in promoting agriculture and working with the federal government is significant. Rollins' appointment provides an opportunity for collaboration and the pursuit of common goals.

National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S. Wheat Associates' Support

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) released a joint statement. Chandler Goule said, "NAWG members look forward to working together to foster public policy initiatives that will help wheat growers thrive." USW President Vince Peterson said, "We welcome a renewed partnership with her and USDA to support U.S. agriculture."Wheat farming is an important part of the agricultural economy, and the joint statement highlights the need for collaborative efforts to support wheat growers.

Glenn Thompson's Congratulation

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) congratulated Rollins and said he looks forward to working with her to "make agriculture great again!"Thompson's support shows the importance of agricultural leadership in the legislative arena. Rollins' appointment provides an opportunity to work together to address agricultural issues.

Abel Maldonado's Endorsement

Abel Maldonado, on the unofficial short list, echoed support for Rollins by reposting congratulatory messages. His background as a former lieutenant governor adds to the significance of his endorsement.Maldonado's experience and influence bring additional credibility to Rollins' appointment.

Kip Tom's Best Wishes

Kip Tom, also on the unofficial short list, congratulated Rollins. He emphasized her rural background and commitment to agriculture.Tom's words highlight the importance of having a leader with a deep connection to the agricultural community.

Charles Herbster's Appreciation

Charles Herbster, who was considered for the role, expressed his honor and support for Rollins. His experience on the Executive Committee Board adds to the perception of Rollins' capabilities.Herbster's words demonstrate the respect and confidence in Rollins' ability to lead the USDA.