Rollins Meets with Farmers in Shelbyville to Discuss Rural Growth and Innovation
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins kicked off her tenure with a significant visit to Kentucky, where she directly engaged with local farmers and agricultural leaders.
This visit, marking her first official trip since taking office, allowed Rollins to address key issues within the farming community and discuss ways to foster growth in rural economies.
The Secretary’s Kentucky trip commenced with a speech at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville on February 15, 2025, where she addressed an audience of 15,000 people.
During her speech at Freedom Hall, Rollins expressed her dedication to serving the nation’s farmers and ranchers.
“On my very first trip after being sworn in as the US Secretary of Agriculture, it was my honor to address 15,000 freedom-loving patriots in Louisville, Kentucky at the National Farm Machinery Show. Every single day, I will fight for our farmers, ranchers, and American agriculture. Together, we are going to create a new era of rural prosperity across this great country.”
Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture
The event, one of the largest agricultural gatherings in the nation, provided Rollins with an opportunity to not only speak to farmers but also to explore some of the latest advancements in farm machinery.
The Secretary participated in the Championship Tractor Pull, further underscoring her commitment to agricultural innovation.
These activities highlighted the importance of technological progress in driving the future of farming and supporting rural economies.
Following her appearance at the machinery show, Rollins took the time to engage directly with more than 100 farmers during a fireside chat at Gallrein Farms in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
Accompanied by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, the Secretary discussed the challenges facing local farmers, including the impact of avian flu, trade issues, and the broader efforts to restore rural prosperity.
This conversation with farmers provided valuable insights into the daily struggles they face and how policy decisions can better support them.
In addition to these public engagements, Secretary Rollins appeared on Fox & Friends live from Louisville, where she shared insights on pressing agricultural issues.
Topics of discussion included the rising costs of eggs and President Trump’s trade priorities, which are critical to the farming sector.
As she navigates the early days of her tenure, Rollins has made it clear that one of her primary objectives is to advocate for the well-being of American agriculture.
Her focus on the needs of rural America, coupled with her commitment to tackling challenges such as trade policy and disease control, signals a determined approach to revitalizing the nation’s farming landscape.
This visit to Kentucky reflects Secretary Rollins’ broader vision for U.S. agriculture. By engaging directly with farmers and participating in industry events, she is setting the stage for a new era of collaboration between government and agriculture.
Rollins’ first-hand meetings with Kentucky’s farmers highlight her dedication to addressing the issues that matter most to them, including economic challenges, regulatory burdens, and opportunities for growth.
Rollins concluded her visit to Kentucky with a clear message: a promise to continue fighting for the agricultural community and to ensure that farmers across the country have the support they need to thrive.
Her engagement with Kentucky’s farmers is just the beginning of what she aims to be a tenure focused on boosting rural prosperity and advancing the interests of U.S. agriculture on the global stage.
