Soybean Farmers Welcome Rollins to Top U.S. Ag Position
February 13, 2025 | Brock Johnston
Ankeny, Iowa – Iowa’s soybean farmers today congratulate Brooke Rollins for her confirmation as the next U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary. Under Rollins’ leadership, the department will be responsible for navigating a host of issues impacting soybean producers and agriculture at large.
Brent Swart, president of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and soybean farmer from Spencer, issued this statement following today’s confirmation:
“With her agriculture background and previous policy experience, Rollins’ confirmation comes at an important time for U.S. agriculture and Iowa farmers. There is considerable work to do, from advancing renewable fuels production domestically to strengthening trade relations and passing a new farm bill. Iowa’s soybean farmers look forward to implementing a pro-agriculture agenda that increases demand for protein and properly positions us for opportunities that support positive environmental outcomes.
“The recent suspension of all farmer and program reimbursements, like funds administered through the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and Rural Energy for America Program, threatens to derail programs that support farmers who adopt or expand conservation and energy production practices across the U.S. This includes grant funding for a program led by ISA, and administered through AgOutcomes/the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, a wholly owned subsidiary of the ISA.
“Farmers across Iowa have also voluntarily signed up for USDA-led programs, implemented practices or constructed energy-producing projects, and are experiencing financial strain due to the suspension of reimbursements.
“We look forward to working with Secretary Rollins on the issues facing Iowa farmers, including funding restoration for Midwestern farmers and more."
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Not funded by the soybean checkoff
The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) is “Driven To Deliver” increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research and results, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish. Founded in 1964 by farmers to serve farmers, ISA is governed by a board of 22 farmers to advocate on behalf of the state’s 37,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.
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