This week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited Central Pennsylvania, focusing on discussions about agricultural issues. The visit included a tour of Talview Dairy, a farmer roundtable at Martin’s family farm, and a meeting concerning agricultural lending with community leaders at the Bank of Bird-in-Hand mobile bank.
Secretary Rollins was accompanied by several officials, including Senator Dave McCormick, House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson, and Representatives Dan Meuser, Rob Bresnahan, and Lloyd Smucker. Together, Secretary Rollins and Senator McCormick penned a joint opinion piece to conclude the visit.
“President Trump and I are fighting to put Farmers First. I heard firsthand about the issues farmers are facing in Central Pennsylvania. I look forward to continuing our work in Washington to ensure that the farmers and ranchers who make our country great can continue to thrive for generations to come,” said Secretary Rollins.
Senator McCormick commented, “Agriculture is the largest industry in Pennsylvania and farming is the backbone of our economy. I am grateful for Secretary Rollins for coming to our Commonwealth to see Pennsylvania ag in action. From dairy operations, world class chicken facilities, rural banking and lenders for farmers, and everything in between the breadth and scope of our farming community is vast and the future is bright with Secretary Rollins at the helm. She and I are working together with our entire delegation to promote Pennsylvania agriculture domestically and around the world through good policies and opening markets.”
House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson also expressed support, saying, “It was great to have Secretary Rollins in Pennsylvania during one of her many stops on her rural tour of our great country. She and President Trump are fighting for America's farmers, and I appreciate their leadership and the opportunity we had to showcase the Commonwealth's farmers and producers.”
Additionally, Representative Dan Meuser stated, “Thank you to Secretary Rollins for visiting Pennsylvania’s Ninth District this week and taking the time to meet directly with our farmers, producers, and ag leaders. Agriculture plays a central role in Pennsylvania’s economy and our way of life, and having an open, face-to-face dialogue with producers on the ground is essential as we work together to advance President Trump’s agenda for rural America—whether it’s reducing burdensome regulations, expanding market access, or strengthening our food supply. I look forward to continuing our partnership with Secretary Rollins and USDA to deliver results for Pennsylvania agriculture.”
Representative Rob Bresnahan highlighted the importance of the visit, “I was glad to join Secretary Rollins, my Pennsylvania colleagues, and local PA farmers for educational tours and productive discussion on the evolving landscape of agriculture in Pennsylvania. As a Member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am committed to listening, learning, and advocating for commonsense solutions that support our farmers, strengthen local economies, and secure the future of American agriculture. At the end of the day, food security is national security, and that begins with our farmers right here in Pennsylvania.”
Representative Lloyd Smucker concluded, “I appreciate Secretary Rollins visiting Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional District, home to the “Garden Spot of America” and a leading district for agricultural production. We are proud of our communities’ deep agricultural heritage. Thank you, Secretary Rollins, for your strong leadership and work supporting farmers in our district and across the nation.”
Secretary Rollins's tour offers insights into Pennsylvania's agricultural industry and the challenges faced by local farmers and producers.
