Recently, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum signed a Secretary’s Order aimed at expanding grazing opportunities, improve the health of federal rangelands, as well as provide critical support for America’s ranchers. This move is an effort at bolstering the nation’s livestock industry.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said, “Under the leadership of President Trump, we are committed to restoring the promise of our working landscapes and supporting the hard-working American families who depend on them. This order cuts through bureaucratic red tape to deliver certainty and flexibility for our nation’s ranchers. By promoting healthy rangelands and expanding grazing opportunities, we are strengthening our food supply, reinvigorating rural economies, and ensuring the legacy of American ranching continues for generations to come.”
Key provisions of this move include expanding grazing opportunities, streamlining permitting, improving rangeland health, increasing transparency, protecting livestock, and improving coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
With the national cattle herd at a 75-year low, this order urges bureaus within the Department of the Interior to prioritize livestock industry needs.
Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.