On February 13, 2025, Brooke Rollins was sworn in as the 33rd Secretary of Agriculture following a Senate vote. Her immediate actions and whirlwind tour across several states highlighted her commitment to engaging directly with farmers and ranchers. In just one week, Rollins visited Kentucky, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas, covering over 3,000 miles. She prioritized addressing key agricultural issues, including avian flu, trade, and rural prosperity. Rollins also emphasized support for wildland firefighters and issued significant policy directives, such as rescinding DEIA programs and reforming SNAP. Her first week set a tone of active engagement and policy reform.

A Week of Action: Secretary Rollins’ First Steps

In the heart of a brisk winter, Brooke Rollins was inaugurated as the new Secretary of Agriculture on February 13, 2025, after a decisive Senate vote. Shortly after taking office in the Jamie L. Whitten Building, she embarked on an extensive journey across the nation, visiting key agricultural hubs. Within her first seven days, Rollins traveled through Kentucky, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas, clocking over 3,000 miles.

The day after her confirmation, Rollins gathered with family and staff at the USDA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where she addressed more than 400 attendees. One of her first official acts was signing a letter to U.S. Forest Service firefighters, praising their dedication and ensuring they would have the necessary resources.

Rollins' first stop was Kentucky, where she attended the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville. She interacted with exhibitors and participated in the Championship Tractor Pull. John Deere spokespersons expressed appreciation for her visit, noting her willingness to collaborate on enhancing productivity and profitability for farmers.

On Saturday, Rollins was named an Honorary Commissioner of Agriculture by Kentucky’s Ag Commissioner Jonathan Shell at Gallrein Farms in Shelbyville. Over 100 local farmers joined discussions on pressing issues like avian flu and trade.

In Kansas, Rollins met with Senator Roger Marshall and Representative Tracey Mann, touring High Plains Ponderosa Dairy and discussing sorghum farming's potential in global trade. She also visited feedlot operations and a beef packing plant, emphasizing the importance of Kansas in American agriculture.

Returning to Washington D.C., Rollins hosted a roundtable discussion with USFS wildland firefighters who had served during California wildfires. She thanked them for their service and sought their insights on improving firefighter support.

During National FFA Week, Rollins celebrated in Texas, connecting with local leaders and discussing key agricultural challenges. On her final day of the week, she convened a meeting with farmers from seven states, focusing on issues like avian flu, capital access, and disaster relief.

This intensive first week showcased Rollins' dedication to understanding and addressing the diverse needs of the agricultural community.

From a journalist's perspective, Secretary Rollins' rapid and comprehensive approach signals a new era of proactive leadership at the USDA. Her direct engagement with farmers and stakeholders demonstrates a commitment to informed policymaking and effective problem-solving. This initial burst of activity sets high expectations for her tenure and suggests a focus on practical solutions to long-standing agricultural challenges. It is clear that Rollins aims to build strong partnerships within the industry to foster innovation and resilience in the face of ongoing environmental and economic pressures.