WASHINGTON — Since president-elect Donald Trump selected Brooke Rollins to serve as the next secretary of agriculture late last week, the meat industry has come out with its congratulations to the potential new head of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

A Texas native, Rollins currently serves as president and chief executive officer of America First Policy Institute.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) believes Rollins’ background could prove to benefit beef industry.

“From her time as a college student studying agriculture development to her distinguished career in Texas and Washington, Brooke Rollins has a history of fighting for Main Street and rural America,” said Ethan Lane, vice president of government affairs for NCBA. “America’s cattle producers need a secretary of agriculture who will protect family farms and ranches, roll back crushing regulations and stand up for rural values — and we look forward to working with Secretary-Designate Rollins to make it happen.”

The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) agreed that with the skillset Rollins brings to the job, she could be an asset to the industry — particularly surrounding trade policies.

“USMEF congratulates Ms. Rollins on her nomination and wishes her well in the confirmation process,” the group said. “Her experience and background suggest she will be a strong advocate for free-market policies and agricultural trade.”

Other industry trade groups like the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the Meat Institute chimed in with congratulations.

“Congratulations to Ms. Rollins on her nomination as US secretary of agriculture,” NPPC said. “We look forward to collaborating with the next secretary to address the challenges impacting our industry. Pork producers continue to rely on strong leadership to support agriculture and ensure the success of American farmers.”

While the tagging of Rollins as ag secretary has garnered much positive energy in the industry, it still needs to be confirmed.

“We look forward to working with President Trump’s next secretary of agriculture on issues important to the meat and poultry industry and call for a speedy confirmation,” said Sarah Little, a spokesperson for the Meat Institute.