WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has completed a highly active first month in office, characterized by a flurry of initiatives aimed at bolstering American agriculture, combating major industry challenges, and improving operational efficiency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Her actions thus far underscore a commitment to prioritizing America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
At the forefront of Rollins’ agenda is a five-pronged strategy to address the avian flu outbreak and stabilize egg prices. This comprehensive $1 billion plan includes measures to curb the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and support the U.S. poultry industry. Rollins’ efforts have also extended to policy enforcement, notably directing the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to U.S. citizens and legal residents to safeguard taxpayer resources.
Rollins’ first month included extensive travel to states such as Kentucky, Kansas, Georgia, and Texas, where she engaged directly with farmers and ranchers to hear their concerns. She also toured facilities, hosted roundtables, and reviewed disaster recovery efforts, such as wildfire damage in North Carolina. These trips, combined with her participation in the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture conference and meetings with state governors, emphasize her focus on understanding agricultural challenges on the ground.
Her tenure has also been defined by her collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to identify and eliminate wasteful spending within USDA operations. This initiative has saved taxpayers millions through canceled contracts and reduced inefficiencies. Rollins also rescinded existing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs and reallocated USDA funding following a thorough review process.
International trade remains a top priority for Rollins. She has participated in high-level discussions with Canadian and Mexican agricultural officials to address barriers affecting U.S. exports, specifically dairy products. Additionally, her leadership in advancing President Trump’s America First trade policies has been evident through her work on reducing tariffs and fostering new trade agreements critical to the agriculture sector.
During her first month, Rollins amplified the USDA’s mission and goals through public engagements, delivering remarks at major conferences, including the American Farm Bureau and Commodity Classic, and contributing an op-ed that detailed her vision for the future of U.S. agriculture.
Through her first 30 days in office, Secretary Rollins has set an ambitious pace, with a clear focus on rural prosperity, operational efficiency, and American agricultural dominance. Her actions reflect a steadfast commitment to advancing the USDA’s mission while ensuring America’s agricultural communities thrive.
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