Ag Secretary tours research center, meets ag representatives

Barb Bierman Batie
Aug 11, 2025
Aug 11, 2025

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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins addresses the media following a listening session with Nebraska agriculture leaders and four members of the Nebraska Congressional delegation Aug. 9 at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead. Rollins also toured the Center and UNL’s managed feedlot nearby learning about the intensive research being conducted for agriculture. It was Rollins second visit to the Cornhusker State this year, having toured a number of agribusinesses with Gov. Jim Pillen in May. Her current swing through the Corn Belt also included a stop at the Iowa State Fair.

Midwest Messenger photo by Barb Bierman Batie

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, center, took time for a photo op with Nebraska agriculture leaders and members of the Nebraska Congressional delegation following an Aug. 9 listening session arranged by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb. Speakers from various agriculture organizations and commodity groups emphasized agriculture is facing some tough times with low commodity prices, labor shortages and a need for science-based research to enable the industry to continue feeding the country and the world.

Midwest Messenger photo by Barb Bierman Batie

Barb Bierman Batie

Agriculture challenges abound, and following a round table discussion with Nebraska ag leaders Saturday near Mead, Saturday, Aug. 9, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins acknowledged there is work to be done.

Barb Bierman Batie grew up near Battle Creek, Nebraska, and now farms row crops with her Platte Valley Farmer, Don Batie, northeast of Lexington. She has written for local, state, regional and international publications. She joined the Midwest Messenger crew in 2010. She can be reached at barb.batie@gmail.com.