New Name Surfaces for Trump’s Secretary of Ag Pick — This One Has Strong Ties to Regenerative Ag

Names continue to be added to the list of possible candidates for Secretary of Agriculture. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly playing an active role in the cabinet selection, and the latest name added to the list, Jimmy Emmons, has a heavy background in regenerative agriculture. Emmons is the senior vice president of climate-smart programs for Trust In Food, Farm Journal’s sustainable agriculture division, but is on leave of absence from Farm Journal.

The nationally recognized no-till farmer, regenerative rancher and soil-health expert leads Trust In Food’s national programs to accelerate the adoption of conservation agriculture. Emmons and his wife, Ginger, own and operate Emmons Farm in Leedey, Okla., where they manage 2,000 crop acres, 5,000 rangeland acres, 300 cow/calf pairs and custom graze yearlings in an integrated row-crop and livestock operation that optimizes water resources, reduces erosion and improves soil organic matter.

He is a public speaker, educator, mentor and advocate for conservation management practices that improve producers’ resiliency to weather, operational efficiency and profitability. Emmons previously served as coordinator for mentoring for the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.