By Blake Jackson
Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) recently hosted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins at a family-owned dairy farm in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, to facilitate a crucial discussion with local farmers and agricultural leaders.
The event, attended by Senator Dave McCormick and Congressmen Glenn “GT” Thompson and Rob Bresnahan, aimed to address key challenges facing Pennsylvania's diverse agriculture sector.
The day included a tour of the dairy farm, showcasing its advanced robotic milking systems and substantial milk production, followed by a roundtable discussion with farmers, including members of the Amish community.
The roundtable provided a platform for local producers to voice their concerns directly to Secretary Rollins and congressional leaders. Issues such as overregulation, risk management, generational farm transitions, trade access, and nutrition programs were brought to the forefront.
“This event was about listening and taking action,” said Congressman Meuser. “We’re working closely with Secretary Rollins and our congressional partners to advance President Trump’s agenda to benefit farmers and rural America whether that means restoring market access, reducing unnecessary regulations, preventing increased taxes, strengthening risk management tools, or supporting nutrition and food security programs. Agriculture plays a central role in Pennsylvania’s economy and way of life, and these conversations ensure we’re delivering real results for the people who feed our nation.”
Secretary Rollins reiterated the Administration’s commitment to prioritizing farmers in national policy. She highlighted USDA initiatives aimed at expediting relief funding, improving the agricultural labor system, and simplifying federal regulations, particularly for small and family-owned farms. Rollins also stressed the importance of expanding export opportunities and the connection between food security and national security.
Key priorities discussed included preserving small farms through streamlined regulations, expanding export markets for commodities like potatoes and dairy, ensuring investment in risk protection programs, improving the H-2A agricultural workforce system, supporting nutrition programs and food bank partnerships, advocating for whole milk in schools, and advancing dairy pricing reform for long-term farm sustainability.
The event underscored the critical need for collaborative efforts to support and strengthen Pennsylvania's agricultural community.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-digitalvision
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy