“Brooke Rollins is a highly respected leader in the agriculture community,” Trump said in a statement. “She has a deep understanding of the challenges facing our farmers and ranchers, and she is committed to working with them to create a brighter future for American agriculture.”

Rollins, 54, is a former journalist who served as the president and CEO of the Texas A&M University System from 2014 to 2018. During her tenure, she oversaw the system’s 11 universities and seven state agencies, with a combined budget of over $6 billion.

The nomination of Rollins has been met with mixed reactions from the agricultural community. Some groups have praised her experience and commitment to agriculture, while others have expressed concerns about her lack of direct experience in the field.

“We are confident that Brooke Rollins will be a strong advocate for American agriculture,” said Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “She understands the challenges facing our farmers and ranchers, and she is committed to working with them to ensure a bright future for American agriculture.”

“We are concerned that Brooke Rollins does not have the necessary experience in agriculture to effectively lead the USDA,” said Roger Johnson, president of the National Farmers Union. “We urge the Senate to carefully consider her nomination and to vote against her confirmation if she does not have the necessary qualifications.”

The nomination of Rollins is now pending before the Senate Agriculture Committee. If confirmed, she would become the first woman to lead the USDA since Ann Veneman, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005.