 – In a world painted with the hues of dawn and dust, where the soil is soaked with stories of sweat and sacrifice, Secretary Brooke Rollins steps…){kind=link}
VERSAILLES, OH (NWPR) – In a world painted with the hues of dawn and dust, where the soil is soaked with stories of sweat and sacrifice, Secretary Brooke Rollins steps into the rhythm of America’s heartland. Like a jazz musician coaxing soulful melodies from her instrument, she’s orchestrating a new tune—one that champions the backbone of the nation: its farmers.
From the moment she arrived, her presence was a note of reassurance, a promise that in the grand symphony of American agriculture, the farmers are always first. Her first 100 days in the Trump administration have been no less than a jazz improvisation—spontaneous, passionate, and committed to hitting every note that matters.
The Ohio Beat: A Day in the Life of Farmers and Fighters
Her journey began in western Ohio, a land where the fields are vast and the spirit resilient. Joined by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge, Secretary Rollins stepped into the rhythm of farm life at Weaver Eggs in Versailles. Ohio, a powerhouse in egg production, has faced a harsh lull—nearly 15 million birds affected by avian influenza in 2025 alone. The air was thick with worry, but also with unwavering resolve.
As she toured Weaver Eggs, nestled amid rows of bustling hens, she listened intently to the stories of loss and hope. Alex Weaver, the farm’s president, shared how his operation lost 1.3 million hens despite the tightest biosecurity measures. His voice, steady yet tinged with emotion, revealed the toll of the outbreak: “Sometimes, the virus wins,” he said softly, “but the fight isn’t over. We’ll keep playing that tune of perseverance.”
Secretary Rollins responded with a melody of reassurance: a five-pronged strategy to combat HPAI—strengthening biosecurity, providing financial relief, expanding vaccine research, and adjusting import policies. Her words were a promise, a chorus of support echoing through the barnyard, inspiring hope among the hard-working farmers.
Innovation in the Fields: A New Tune for Sustainability
The day’s music shifted to innovation—an instrumental part of her mission. She visited the Schmitmeyer family farm, where Ryan Schmitmeyer, a dairy farmer and father of six, showcased the 360 RAIN system—an intelligent irrigation device that delivers manure and water directly to crops through Y-drop lines. It’s a high-tech dance—self-driving, monitored via a smartphone app—reducing runoff and ensuring crops get just the right nutrients at just the right time.
Ryan’s farm is more than just a patch of land; it’s a symphony of sustainability, blending cutting-edge technology with traditional farming values. As he demonstrated the system, he explained how it aligns with the H2Ohio water quality initiative—an effort to preserve and protect the vital resource that sustains life and livelihood.
“Every drop counts,” Ryan said, smiling as he watched the system work. “This isn’t just about farming smarter; it’s about farming better—for our land, our water, and our children’s future.”
Secretary Rollins nodded approvingly. “Innovative conservation practices like this are vital,” she said, her voice blending admiration with determination. “They’re the future—making sure our farms thrive today and tomorrow.”
A Call for Investment: Water, Security, and the Future
As the sun dipped lower, the focus shifted to water quality—the lifeblood of agriculture and community alike. Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of investing in water initiatives, warning against cuts that could jeopardize years of progress. “Good water,” he declared, “is essential to our quality of life. We must continue to invest every year.”
Throughout the day, the message was clear: when farmers thrive, so does the nation. When they are supported, innovations flourish, and challenges like disease outbreaks and resource management become manageable hurdles rather than insurmountable walls.
Personal Stories of Resilience
Standing amidst the fields, Secretary Rollins met farmers whose stories embody the spirit of perseverance. There was Maria, a young woman who took over her family’s dairy farm after her father’s passing. She told her story with quiet strength: “Farming’s been in my family for generations. When the flu hit our coop, I thought we might lose everything. But we fought back—invested in new biosecurity, learned new techniques, and kept going. That’s what farmers do. We adapt, we survive, and we thrive.”
And then there was John, who farms soy and corn with his wife and two children. “We’re the caretakers of this land,” he said, eyes shining with pride. “It’s more than a job—it’s our legacy. We need support, innovation, and respect to keep this going for the next generation.”
A Poetic Reflection: The Heartbeat of the Land
As twilight settled over Ohio, Secretary Rollins reflected on the day’s journey—an ode to resilience, hope, and unity. She recited part of a poem that echoed the spirit of the land and its people:
Beneath the boundless skies, where seeds are sown,
The farmers’ song is etched in every stone.
With hands that nurture, hearts that strive,
They keep the heartbeat of America alive.
Through storms and droughts, their spirit remains,
A melody of hope that forever sustains.”
Her voice softened as she concluded, “This land’s song is ours to protect. When we stand behind our farmers, we’re not just supporting livelihoods; we’re nurturing a legacy—one of resilience, hope, and promise.”
The Final Note: A Promise to the Land and Its Keepers
As she departed Ohio, the echoes of her visit lingered—a testament to a new chapter in agricultural support. It’s a story of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication. It’s about standing behind the ‘man’ on the farm—whether that man is a farmer, a family, or a community—and recognizing that their work is the heartbeat that keeps America alive.
Because when farmers come first, the symphony of America’s future plays on—vibrant, resilient, and full of hope. And in this grand jazz of life, the tune of perseverance and unity echoes through every field, every barn, every heart.
A Closing Poem: The Heartbeat of Our Land
In fields where sunrise meets the earth’s embrace,
The farmers’ song extends through time and space.
Their hands, the chords; their hope, the refrain—
A melody of strength that will always remain.
Through storms and silence, they carry on,
The heartbeat of America, resilient and strong.
And as long as they stand, this land will sing—
A song of hope, of life, of everything.
As I See It by Ben Rayman
Note: I didn’t grow up on the farm, but my Grandfather Ben and many of his ten children took to the soil like him, and the others all rooted in Northwest Ohio were entrepreneur extraordinaire in my book.
