By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist
Johnson County farmers and ranchers recently met with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for an in-depth discussion about the challenges facing agriculture in the region and across the country.
Chris Goodwin, Johnson County Farm Bureau president, said the meeting was productive and personal.
“She took the time to talk to every individual in the room, asking about our main concerns. She wrote down everyone’s name, took notes and genuinely listened to what we had to say,” Goodwin said. “She’s very personal and genuinely concerned about every avenue in agriculture, not just one industry, but every industry.”
During the discussion, the Johnson County Farm Bureau members highlighted several pressing issues like financial sustainability in agriculture, rising input costs, commodity and beef prices and challenges with crop insurance and disaster program payments.
The group also raised concerns about foreign ownership of agricultural land, the impact of solar and wind development on farmland and the need for streamlined processes within the Farm Service Agency.
“We went over the allotted time, but she insisted we continue the conversations,” he said. “That spoke volumes about her as an individual and genuine concern about the agricultural world and our country.”
They also covered U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs aimed at supporting farmers, including efforts to expedite disaster relief payments and initiatives to protect livestock industries.
The group discussed an update on USDA’s action steps to protect U.S. livestock and wildlife from New World screwworm.
“She noted steps needed to move faster so we can combat screwworms,” Goodwin said. “That was valuable information because that’s to protect our beef cattle, sheep, goats, everything in the livestock and wildlife industries. It was reassuring to know they have a plan in motion, and it’s moving faster than was anticipated, which is great for everybody involved.”
The conversation highlighted the value of direct dialogue between farmers and USDA officials.
“She didn’t just listen. She asked questions, requested more detail and encouraged us to provide additional information to help inform her work moving forward,” he said. “For her to come to a county Farm Bureau office and see firsthand what we’re doing speaks volumes about how genuine she is and how much effort she wants to put in to help us.”
The visit was organized with the help of State Rep. Helen Kerwin.
In addition to Johnson County Farm Bureau board members, Texas Farm Bureau District 4 State Director James Foster and Texas Farm Bureau Government Affairs staff were in attendance.
Thanks Sec Rollins for meeting with the county Reps Have a productive visit while you are here for a while.