U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins recently visited Nebraska, where she joined Governor Jim Pillen and Representative Adrian Smith to tour various agricultural facilities, including the Cargill Bioscience Complex and Wholestone Farms’ pork processing facility. The visit also included a stop at the Ohnoutka family farm and a Farmers First roundtable discussion.
During her visit, Secretary Rollins signed a historic waiver with Governor Pillen to amend the definition of food purchasable by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. This amendment excludes soda, "soft drinks," and energy drinks from being considered as food products for home consumption.
“Nebraska is helping to lead the nation in agriculture! Great to meet with the farmers, ranchers, and producers from the Cornhusker State who are working to feed, fuel, and clothe the world. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are returning USDA to a Farmers First department, and that starts with giving farmers a seat at the table,” said Secretary Rollins.
Governor Jim Pillen expressed his support for the initiative: “Our family-owned farms and ranches are at the heart of agriculture in America and are the backbone of the economy in states like Nebraska. Generations of producers have passed down the love of farming, strongly-rooted values, and common-sense stewardship of our land and water to the next generation. I’m glad that Secretary Rollins and the USDA are highlighting the value and importance of family owned and small operations as part of our efforts to put Farmers First."
Representative Adrian Smith highlighted Nebraska's agricultural achievements: “Welcoming Secretary Rollins to Nebraska alongside Governor Pillen provided a tremendous opportunity to showcase Nebraska’s world-leading livestock, crop, and biofuels producers...USDA’s new Farmers First strategy will expand markets, deliver regulatory relief...I will continue to work with Secretary Rollins..."
The USDA has allocated over $504 million through its Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for 33,000 farmers in Nebraska for 2024. In March 2025, Secretary Rollins announced measures aimed at reducing burdens on U.S. pork and poultry industries by eliminating outdated administrative requirements via directives issued to Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
Furthermore, USDA has made $26.5 million available through grant funding under Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), which supports direct producer-to-consumer marketing along with local food markets.
Secretary Rollins concluded her visit by launching a policy plan focused on enhancing viability for smaller-scale family farms across generations.
