PHOTOS: Smith and Pillen Host Rollins for Visit with Nebraska Producers, Announce USDA Farmers First Initiative
Washington, DC — Today Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Governor Jim Pillen hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on a visit to Nebraska. The officials toured the Cargill Bioscience Complex in Blair, NE, the Wholestone Farms pork facility in Fremont, and Ohnoutka family farm in Valparaiso where they held a roundtable with local agriculture producers. Secretary Rollins announced the administration's new Farmers First: Small Family Farms Policy Agenda to support family agriculture operations for a prosperous future.
The officials released the following statements.
“Welcoming Secretary Rollins to Nebraska alongside Governor Pillen provided a tremendous opportunity to showcase Nebraska’s world-leading livestock, crop, and biofuels producers. As we mark 163 years since the signing of the Homestead Act, agriculture remains the economic driver of our state and the nation’s Heartland. USDA’s new Farmers First strategy will expand markets, deliver regulatory relief, promote long-term certainty, and ensure the accessibility of USDA resources for American farming families working tirelessly to feed and fuel the world. I will continue to work with Secretary Rollins and President Trump to unleash prosperity for generations to come,” said Representative Smith.
“Nebraska is helping to lead the nation in agriculture! Great to meet with the farmers, ranchers, and producers from the Cornhusker State who are working to feed, fuel, and clothe the world. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are returning USDA to a Farmers First department, and that starts with giving farmers a seat at the table,” said Secretary Rollins.
“Our family-owned farms and ranches are at the heart of agriculture in America and are the backbone of the economy in states like Nebraska. Generations of producers have passed down the love of farming, strongly-rooted values, and common-sense stewardship of our land and water to the next generation. I’m glad that Secretary Rollins and the USDA are highlighting the value and importance of family owned and small operations as part of our efforts to put Farmers First. I look forward to this tremendous initiative, and I am thrilled that she chose to launch it from a family farm right here in Nebraska,” said Governor Pillen.
