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Exclusive: An interview with Brooke Rollins’ former FFA teacher

Brooke Rollins’ confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture was a defining moment in her career and an opportunity to reflect on those who helped shape her journey.

During her Senate confirmation hearing, Rollins acknowledged the impact of the Texas FFA Association and of her former advisor, saying, “My incredible ag teacher, who I would like to have stand up — Mr. Gary Rosenbusch — put up with a lot from this FFAer. I’ve often said that the Future Farmers of America changed my life and put me on a course that leads me to today, and Mr. Rosenbusch was a big part of that.”

She also introduced her Texas FFA officer team, emphasizing the lifelong bond they shared.

“There were 10 of us, the other nine all came. Ag teachers, insurance agents, workers of the land — they’re all here. What a joy to have my state FFA officer team here.”

Rosenbusch, who taught Rollins at Glen Rose High School in Texas, not only nurtured her passion for agriculture but also helped develop the leadership skills.

He recalled his first impressions of Rollins in an interview with AGDAILY.

When she joined the FFA program at Glen Rose, “She came into the program because she loved horses. She had a horse, rode horses, and she wanted to compete on horses,” he said. “She thought, ‘Well, you know, I’ll get into ag and I can ride my horse all the time.’ But you could tell pretty quick she was one of those that had a lot of talent.”

That talent, coupled with a relentless drive, would carry Rollins from the show barn to Washington, D.C., where she now oversees the country’s most critical agricultural policies.

Rollins was not your typical FFA student. Unlike many of her peers who came from agricultural backgrounds, Rollins’ family had relocated to Texas from Minnesota. While she may not have grown up on a large ranch, she embraced every opportunity the FFA provided, excelling in leadership roles, public speaking, and livestock showing.

Brooke Rollins Confirmation
Brooke Rollins is the fourth from left, while Gary Rosenbusch is on the right. (Image courtesy of Gary Rosenbusch

“She was always willing to jump in and take on whatever challenge was put in front of her,” Rosenbusch recalled. “I was probably as strong on the leadership side of things as anything, and I pushed my students to get involved in speaking events, running for office, and gaining experience in all aspects of agriculture. Brooke was always up for the challenge.”

Rollins didn’t just participate in FFA; she thrived in it. She won the state radio contest in Texas, showcasing her ability to communicate effectively — a skill that would later become essential in her political career.

“She was on the state-winning farm radio team,” Rosenbusch said. “Not too many states even have farm radio contests, but she excelled in it.”

In addition to her speaking abilities, Rollins was involved in livestock competitions. “She showed goats, and at our county show, we had a horse event that she participated in before it was phased out,” he said. “She did everything she could to be involved.”

Brooke Rollins Confirmation
Image courtesy of Gary Rosenbusch

Rosenbusch’s philosophy as an FFA advisor was simple: provide opportunities, push students to develop their skills, and let them take ownership of their journey.

“I always told my students, ‘I’m just the bus driver —  it’s up to you to decide where you’re going,’ ” he said.

Beyond her FFA accomplishments, Rollins demonstrated a natural ability to lead. She became a state FFA officer, narrowly missing the position of state president, and later attended Texas A&M University, where she made history as the first female student body president.

“We all knew she was going to make it to D.C. in some way or another,” Rosenbusch said.

From Texas A&M, she went on to earn a law degree from the University of Texas and then work in policy, where she went from an aide for Texas Gov. Rick Perry to eventually advising President Donald Trump in his first term and leading the America First Policy Institute.

Throughout her confirmation process, Rollins’ communication skills were put to the test. She fielded pointed questions from senators, some of whom tried to trip her up during the hearings. But Rosenbusch wasn’t surprised to see her hold her own.

“A couple of the senators came back with second-round questions, trying to throw her off, but she pretty well put them in their place,” he said. “She’s a quick thinker. She knows what to say, when to say it, and what not to say.”

Rollins-screenshot
Screenshot from PBS News

For Rosenbusch, witnessing Rollins take her seat before the Senate was a surreal experience.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be there, to be present, and to see her in that moment,” he said of attending the confirmation hearing. “And it was even more incredible to see that she had her officer team there supporting her. That just tells you everything you need to know about who she is.”

Rollins made sure to acknowledge the impact of those who had helped her along the way. She spoke with her former advisor before the hearing, taking a moment to reflect on the journey that had led her there. “She felt like we did something in her youth that mattered, and she wanted to recognize that,” Rosenbusch said. “Your heart swells when you see something like that. I was just so proud.”

For the former FFA members in the audience, Rollins’ presence at the hearing was a powerful reminder of the influence that agricultural education can have. “It wasn’t just about policy,” Rosenbusch said. “It was about seeing one of our own step up and take on one of the most important jobs in the country.”

The values Rollins developed in FFA — hard work, leadership, and a deep respect for agriculture — have remained with her throughout her career. As secretary of agriculture, she now has the opportunity to apply those lessons on a national scale.

“I always told my students to remember where they came from,” Rosenbusch said. “And she does. That’s the best part.”

Despite criticisms that she may prioritize large agricultural operations over smaller family farms, Rollins has vowed to advocate for all sectors of agriculture. In her confirmation hearings, she addressed key issues such as rural development, trade policies, and farmer support programs.

“Agriculture is surpassingly important to us as a nation,” she testified. “If I am confirmed, I commit to ensuring our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities thrive.”

Her leadership style — firm but collaborative — was shaped by her years in FFA, where she learned to navigate complex challenges and advocate for her peers.

For Rosenbusch, Rollins’ success is a source of immense pride.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of your students go that far,” he said. “Your heart swells. You just blow up big and feel so proud.”

Brooke Rollins Confirmation
Image courtesy of Gary Rosenbusch

And Rollins isn’t the only one of his former students to achieve national recognition. His own son, Corey, works in Washington, D.C., on agricultural policy at the Fertilizer Institute.

“A lot of the same senators who reached out to Brooke had already been in contact with Corey for years,” Rosenbusch said. “They knew him, but they didn’t know her yet.”

Another of his students, Dan Campbell, went on to become the head coach of the Detroit Lions. While coaching may not be agriculture, Rosenbusch sees the same drive in Campbell that he saw in Rollins.

“If you’ve ever listened to Dan’s locker room speeches, you know he’s a motivator,” he said. “Just like Brooke. They both know how to lead.”

When asked what advice he would give to current FFA members who aspire to leadership roles, Rosenbusch emphasized the importance of perseverance and authenticity.

“I tell my students, whatever you do, do it with heart,” he said. “You’ve got to write your own speeches, not let someone else do it for you. People can tell when you’re being real.”

He also stressed the importance of embracing challenges and seizing opportunities. “Doors will open, but you’ve got to be willing to step through them,” he said. “Take some chances. Work hard. And remember where you came from.”

As Rollins steps into her new role as secretary of agriculture, which she won by a large bipartisan vote from senators, she brings with her experiences shaped by her time in FFA, Texas A&M, and from policy work. With a deep understanding of rural America and a commitment to advocating for the agricultural community, she is poised to make a significant impact.

Her former FFA advisor has no doubt that she will rise to the occasion.

“She’s got the knowledge, the skills, and the drive,” Rosenbusch said. “I think she’s going to do great things.”

For Rollins, the moment she took the oath of office was not just a personal victory — it was a testament to the people and the experiences that had shaped her. And among those people were the very ones who had been with her from the start: her FFA advisor and the teammates who had stood by her side long before she ever set foot in Washington.


Heidi Crnkovic, is the Associate Editor for AGDAILY. She is a New Mexico native with deep-seated roots in the Southwest and a passion for all things agriculture.

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Fort Worth Stock Show faces scrutiny after disqualifying steer

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo has long been known as one of the most prestigious livestock shows in the country, drawing exhibitors from across the nation. However, recent events may be casting a shadow over its reputation, with many questioning its handling of exhibitor concerns and competition fairness.

Amanda Nuncio, a longtime supporter of the show, recently shared her son’s experience, which has sparked widespread debate. The boy, Payton, exhibited his lightweight steer, Cracker, on February 6, securing first place in his class. As he entered the division drive, where the judge had indicated Payton’s steer could have won the grand division, he was suddenly disqualified due to a missing tattoo — a claim that was later proven false.

According to Nuncio, the Fort Worth Stock Show’s handling of the situation was deeply flawed. She said the committee did not follow standard protocol to verify the tattoo, failing to place the steer in a chute for proper inspection. Instead, the tattoo was checked hastily, leading to the erroneous decision to strip Payton of his accolades.

Upon returning to their stalls, the family quickly located the tattoo, indicating that the disqualification was a result of human error. Despite appeals to the show officials, the decision remained unchanged, leaving an empty sale slot that the family says should have rightfully belonged to Payton.

The post Nuncio made on social media this week has started to go viral.

FWSS Steer
Image by Amanda Nuncio

Supporters of the Nuncio family and fellow exhibitors have voiced their outrage.

As Matt Latner put it, “Getting kicked out for a faded tattoo that staff couldn’t see because they didn’t put him into a stationary chute would be a tough pill to swallow as a parent.”

Many exhibitors argue that this was an avoidable mistake, discussing the need for more competent staff and proper procedures.

One Facebook user noted, “The only way for officials to check a tattoo correctly is with a blacklight and in a chute. Checking while walking off the show ring out with a show halter on is a dereliction of duty by any show, county fair all the way up to any major.”

The Fort Worth Stock Show has not publicly commented on the incident. An email from AGDAILY has been sent to the show seeking comment, and this article will be updated if a response is received.

Some social media commenters believe that issues at the Fort Worth Stock Show extend far beyond this incident. One exhibitor remarked, “Unfortunately, Fort Worth has many issues across all species. The biggest one is putting the public over the exhibitors. I don’t think anything will change until exhibitors stop attending. Hundreds complain every year, and it falls on deaf ears due to attendance.”

This incident has reignited discussions about the priorities of major livestock shows. Critics argue that Fort Worth has shifted its focus away from the exhibitors and their projects, prioritizing revenue and public entertainment over fairness and youth development. Many have pointed to other shows — such as Cattleman’s Congress, Phoenix, NAILE, Sioux Falls, Amarillo, and American Royal — as examples of exhibitor-friendly events prioritizing young showmen’s experience and success.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo dates back to 1896 and has played a pivotal role in educating the public and encouraging youth involvement in agriculture. Yet incidents like this are seen as tarnishing that history.

And for families like the Nuncios, the disappointment is not just about financial loss but the principles at stake. The question remains: Will the Fort Worth Stock Show address these concerns and implement better procedures, or will exhibitors take their projects and passion elsewhere?

Diversity in Agriculture
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Bridging gaps in rural health care with AI-powered mobile clinics

Vans equipped somewhere between a doctor’s office and hospital, with an AI agent to guide medical generalists through unfamiliar diagnoses and procedures, could improve access to health care in rural areas.

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, or ARPA-H, is investing in the development of such a clinic, with the University of Michigan leading one of two large teams designing and building the AI component.

Even before rural hospitals began scaling back services and shutting down, getting consistent medical care was challenging for people living in remote areas. The new program to improve access conjures Knight Rider crossed with Northern Exposure, in a future where rural health care professionals extend their knowledge on the fly with help from the vehicle they travel in.

“We want to bring the hospital to the house, or to the church parking lot — whether that’s in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or in the middle of Indiana — where the nearest medical center that performs the care the patient needs might be two hours away,” said Jason Corso, director of the AI project and U-M professor of robotics and electrical engineering and computer science.

A mobile clinic would reduce the cost of care by requiring fewer permanent buildings in its service area and enabling physician assistants and nurses to perform more advanced procedures with coaching from the AI agent, Corso said. The AI agent would also be able to learn the needs of the clinic operators and patients, so manually customizing the software would not be necessary.

AI Healthcare van
Image by University of Michigan

Funded with up to $25 million, the U-M-led AI team brings together an extensive group of hospital specialists, rural practitioners and engineers, organized into three subteams. Together, they represent eight universities and the research and development company RTX BBN Technologies. The AI agent will be one piece of ARPA-H’s five-part program to prototype the equipment needed for this mobile medical clinic.

Other parts aim to link up various data sources within the clinic, worn by the patient and in the patient’s health record; develop a miniaturized CT scanner for mobile 3D imaging; and build a prototype mobile clinic. Eventually the team will test the AI agent in the mobile clinic, expected in the third year. Until then, they will use a stationary clinic, equipped like the proposed van, to assess how well the agent meets the needs of patients and clinicians.

The clinic AI builds on earlier work led by Corso, designing AI agents to provide intelligent guidance across different scenarios. Cooking is an excellent test bed, he said, because it involves a set of raw materials and instruments, a sequence of events and skillful techniques—and it’s reasonably low-stakes. His team then built on the strategies needed to upskill a person’s cooking, guiding soldiers through lifesaving battlefield medicine. For the current project, the team anticipates the AI agent working alongside a family doctor or nurse practitioner, for instance—someone with a lot of foundational knowledge but without the training or experience of specialists.

The team breaks the work down into many pieces. The technical team, strong in computer science, will build models capable of representing medical tasks, what’s happening in the van and with the patient, and how the patient and generalist are doing. The goal is an AI agent that can not only observe the generalist’s actions and walk them through unfamiliar tasks, but that can also recognize when something unexpected has happened and adjust accordingly.

Part of that capability would be recognizing the emotional state of the humans, such as the generalist becoming stressed if the patient’s condition worsens dramatically. Collaborators in nursing will bring expertise in reading people and calibrating the assistance they provide. With their input, the AI agent may learn to alter the way that it delivers information in tense situations.

The medical team and system integration team will gather the data set to train the models that will power the AI. That task includes assessing biases in the data that could lead to inaccurate diagnoses and treatments. The medical team will also provide rich guidance on how to perform medical tasks, in areas such as cardiac and trauma care.

The systems integration team and technical team will build the prototype AI agent, called VIGIL for Vectors of Intelligent Guidance in Long-Reach Rural Healthcare. Then the systems integration and medical teams will iterate on it through testing in clinical settings, addressing pain points identified by medical professionals and patients.

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