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Soybean leaders say new Trump advisor Starling will represent ag well

Soybean leaders from his home state say Ray Starling of North Carolina will represent agriculture well as a special assistant to President Trump.

North Carolina Soybean Producers Association president John Fleming tells Brownfield Starling grew up on a family farm and has spent the majority of his career in agricultural policy.

“I sat through a policy discussion with Ray the other day, and just the way he talks and the presentation he gave…his ideas and values were right in line with rural America and North Carolina farmers.”

Starling will advise Trump on agriculture and trade issues.

David Heath, secretary of the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association, says he’s known Starling since both were in FFA together in the mid 1990’s.

“I really admired Ray and what he stood for.  He was the first person I ever heard of that wanted to be an ag lawyer, and he’s always been a great advocate for agriculture nationwide and the rural community.”

Starling most recently was chief of staff for North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis.

He previously served as General Counsel for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.