West Indy News

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) expressed his support for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to reorganize by moving part of its operations to Indianapolis, Indiana.

“For far too long, our federal agencies in Washington, D.C., have made decisions affecting millions of Americans with no connection to the people they serve,” said Congressman Baird. “The bloated bureaucracy in the swamp has grown, while the services our federal agencies provide have not improved, all at taxpayers’ expense. I am proud that the USDA has chosen to make better use of taxpayer funds through this reorganization and relocate a portion of the agency to the great State of Indiana. Our state truly is the crossroads of America, and with our thriving and diverse agricultural industries, Secretary Rollins made an excellent decision in choosing to relocate USDA closer to our farmers."

Baird highlighted Indiana's diverse agricultural products and exports as well as its position as one of the top agricultural states in the country. He also mentioned Indiana's land-grant universities and their extensions which lead in research and development.

“I thank Secretary Rollins for her outstanding leadership at USDA and for her continued commitment to prioritizing our great American farmers and producers,” added Baird.

Scott Beck, President of Beck's Hybrids, also praised this move: “We are thrilled to see the responsiveness of Secretary Rollins and the administration to support farmers and ranchers by moving government closer to farmers and ranchers. A big win for Indiana and Midwest farmers in particular.”