Lubbock Times

House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington and United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited West Texas to meet with local agriculture stakeholders. During their visit, they engaged with representatives from the Texas Tech University System, students, and other agricultural professionals to discuss the Trump Administration's support for rural America and the agricultural sector.

Arrington expressed his enthusiasm for welcoming Secretary Rollins, highlighting her commitment to advocating for a vibrant rural America. "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," he said. Arrington praised Rollins as a dedicated leader from Texas who would persistently support farmers.

Rollins emphasized the importance of agriculture to the economy. "We have our fabrics, clothes, and medical supplies because of the land and labor from cotton farmers in Lubbock and surrounding counties," she stated. She expressed confidence in the Trump Administration's ability to prioritize farmers, suggesting that previous policies had negatively impacted Texas farmers. "With President Trump in the White House, we are putting farmers first at USDA. 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!"

Kevin Brinkley, CEO of the Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, commended Secretary Rollins’ understanding of agricultural issues and her attentiveness to industry concerns. "I was absolutely impressed with Secretary Rollins’ knowledge of the issues affecting agriculture," he noted, adding that her visit would amplify the industry's voice in policy-making. He acknowledged Arrington’s role in organizing the visit as beneficial for West Texas.

During the tour, Arrington showcased Texas Tech's Cotton Classification Complex to Rollins. "Proud to show off Texas Tech’s state-of-the-art Cotton Classification Complex to Secretary Rollins," he stated, noting the facility's processing capacity and West Texas' significant role in agriculture.

Arrington also highlighted critical discussions with local producers addressing challenges in the regional agriculture industry. "Great discussion with local producers and commodity groups to talk about the challenges facing the West Texas ag industry in recent years," he remarked, asserting the administration’s focus on supporting American agriculture.

Lastly, Arrington recognized Rollins’ personal dedication to agriculture during her meeting with FFA students. "Agriculture isn’t just her job description, it’s Secretary Rollins’ passion," he said, noting her rural upbringing and educational background in agriculture.