Brooke L. Rollins, the new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, is a Texas native who brings both personal life experience in farming and a formal education in agriculture to the job, along with a background in public policy at both the state and federal levels.
Early Life and Education
According to her official USDA biography, Rollins was born and raised in Glen Rose, Texas and grew up on her family’s farm, immersing herself in the agricultural lifestyle from a young age. She was a member of agriculture organizations like the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where she served as a state officer, and 4-H.
Rollins pursued higher education at Texas A&M University, earning an undergraduate degree in agricultural leadership and development. Notably, she made history as the first female student body president at the university. She furthered her education by obtaining a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.
Professional Background
Rollins has had leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. She served as the president and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, where she influenced state policy on various issues.
During President Donald Trump’s first term, Rollins led the Domestic Policy Council, playing a pivotal role in shaping and managing the administration’s domestic policy agenda.
She also founded and headed the America First Policy Institute. The America First Policy Institute Policy Institute was founded by Rollins in 2021 to promote Donald Trump’s policy agenda.
Immediate Actions as USDA Secretary
Upon assuming office last month as Secretary of Agriculture, Rollins initiated several actions aimed at “realigning the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)” with her vision for the future and the policy direction of President Trump.
These immediate actions included issuing a memorandum rescinding all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs and celebrations within the department.
Additionally, Rollins announced a comprehensive review of the USDA’s expenditures. This initiative includes scrutinizing media contracts, facility leases, and external agency agreements to ensure that resources are optimally utilized to serve American agriculture. Billionaire Elon Musk and his DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) group are expected at some point in time to investigate and audit USDA’s fiscal house, as they’re currently doing with other federal government departments.
Top Priorities
Here are several of the top priorities Rollins has said will guide the USDA under her leadership:
Promoting healthy food choices: Collaborating with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Rollins is exploring policies to restrict the purchase of sugary drinks and junk food using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This initiative aims to encourage healthier dietary habits among low-income Americans
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Strengthening rural economies: Recognizing the vital role of rural communities in the nation’s agricultural framework, Rollins says she is committed to implementing policies that bolster these areas. This includes expanding market access for farmers and ranchers, ensuring they have the necessary tools to remain competitive on a global scale.

Enhancing Trade Opportunities: Rollins emphasizes the importance of “barnstorming the world” to identify new trade partners and expand existing markets. By doing so, she aims to create more opportunities for American agricultural products, thereby supporting farmers and the broader economy.
Ensuring long-term success of agriculture: Rollins said she is focused on the sustainability and prosperity of the agricultural sector. This involves supporting the next generation of farmers, investing in agricultural research and development and implementing policies that ensure the industry’s resilience against future challenges.

Addressing animal disease outbreaks: In light of recent avian influenza outbreaks, Rollins said she is prioritizing developing and implementing strategies to control and prevent such diseases. This includes collaborating with various stakeholders to protect the nation’s livestock and poultry industries.
Top Challenges
The top challenge Rollins currently faces as new USDA chief is the avian influenza (or bird flu) outbreak, which is ravaging both the poultry, egg-laying and dairy industries.
Avian influenza also has spread to humans from dairy cows. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, as of the end of February, 69 people in the U.S. have tested positive for the virus. So far the majority of people who’ve contracted the virus are poultry and dairy farm workers.
Poultry and dairy farmers and egg producers across the country are on edge over avian influenza, as the virus continues to ravage America’s flock of egg-laying hens, which has dropped to the lowest level since 2016, due to the death of millions of birds.
American consumers are frustrated and angry because egg prices have been setting new highs every week with fewer chickens hatching eggs. Supplies are running thin at grocery stores, sparking purchase limits, while many restaurants such as Denny’s and others are adding egg surcharges.
Additionally, bird flu is spreading among dairy cows. The first case of bird flu in cows was reported on March 25, 2024. In less than a year, the virus has hit 973 herds, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Avian influenza has the potential to become not only disastrous for U.S. agriculture, but it’s also a potentially dangerous human public health problem.
Of chief concern among public health professionals is the potential for human-to-human transmission of the bird flu virus. Human-to-human transmission of the bird flu virus is rare but possible.
The Trump Administration and Secretary Rollins and USDA need to devote substantial efforts and resources to dealing with avian influenza to stop its spread and in order to avoid a worse-case scenario.
Another major challenge on Rollins’ plate is the delayed passage of a new Farm Bill, which provides critical funding for agricultural programs. The current bill has been extended through September 2025, but it has not been updated to address modern needs and inflation, causing financial uncertainty for farmers. Congress is divided on a new Farm Bill and Rollins will need to play an important role in helping to iron out differences in order to complete the much-needed bill that guides farming and agriculture in the U.S.
Other top challenges Rollins must address include the farm labor shortage – this will be particularly difficult to balance with the Trump Administration’s immigration policies – declining farm income and rising costs – high costs for fuel, fertilizers, seeds and equipment are squeezing farm profit margins and market volatility and trade uncertainties make it hard for farmers to plan long-term investments – climate change, water demands/supply and supply chain disruptions.
