U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently visited Lubbock, Texas, to engage with the local agricultural community at the USDA Cotton Classification Complex located on the Texas Tech University campus. Accompanied by House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington, Secretary Rollins participated in a roundtable discussion involving producers from various fields, including sorghum, beef, peanut, dairy, and corn, alongside agricultural leaders from across the state.
During this meeting, Secretary Rollins emphasized the importance of cotton farmers in Lubbock and surrounding areas, crediting them for supplying essential materials such as fabric and medical supplies. “We have our fabrics, clothes, and medical supplies because of the land and labor from cotton farmers in Lubbock and surrounding counties. With President Trump in the White House, we are putting farmers first at USDA," she stated. Additionally, Secretary Rollins criticized the former administration's policies, asserting efforts to reverse them. “We are reversing the harmful policies of the Biden Administration that have put an unnecessary strain on farmers in Texas to ensure they thrive in America’s new Golden Age!” she said.
Representative Arrington expressed support for Rollins' efforts and commitment to the region. “I am excited to welcome my dear friend and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to West Texas to meet with our farmers and ranchers, listen to their challenges and concerns, and highlight President Trump’s commitment to a vibrant rural America and the most competitive, productive, and sustainable agriculture industry in the world,” Arrington remarked. He commended Rollins for her leadership and vowed continued support. “Rural America is blessed to have a proud Texan and principled conservative leading our nation’s Department of Agriculture, and I know Brooke will never stop fighting for our farmers and agriculture communities throughout the country. Go WTX and MAGA!”
Texas holds a significant role in U.S. cotton production, with 55 percent of the nation’s cotton acreage located within the state. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS) plays a prominent role nationally by classifying 100 percent of U.S. cotton, with the Lubbock facility alone grading 20 percent of the national crop. Notably, the Lubbock AMS facility has managed to cut costs by almost 19 percent per sample, ensuring that American consumers have access to high-quality, affordable materials.
At the roundtable, Secretary Rollins had the opportunity to listen to industry leaders and representatives from Texas Tech University. The USDA cotton classification facility at Texas Tech, funded entirely by the cotton industry and maintained through "user-fees," marks a significant development in the processing and grading of cotton, setting a precedent for further research and development in this sector. Growers benefit from impartial grading services offered by the USDA, which are considered crucial for the equitable marketing of their crops.
