March 2 (Denver, CO) — USDA Secretary Brook Rollins spoke to the gathering at Commodity Classic Sunday evening.  She covered numerous topics in her speech, firstly regarding the rumors of FSA and Rural Development offices closing.

But said millions in program funding promised farmers will be released by the March 21st deadline.

The newly confirmed Ag Secretary said trade is an important topic now at USDA.

Rollins found agreement with the mostly farmer and agri-business crowd that an updated 5 year farm bill is needed.

But drew the most response when she spoke of the death tax and other tax cuts.

Commodity Classic continues Monday and Tuesday, March 3rd and 4th in Denver.