The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing changes aimed at making it easier for ranchers to access and manage federal grazing allotments across the West. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced a proposed rule that would update grazing permit eligibility, insurance procedures, and grazing fee provisions on national forests and grasslands in 16 Western states. USDA says the changes are designed to reduce red tape, provide greater consistency between the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, and create a more streamlined process for ranchers who operate on lands managed by both agencies.
According to USDA, livestock grazing is permitted on nearly 40 percent of the 193 million acres managed by the Forest Service. Officials say managed grazing can help reduce dry vegetation that fuels wildfires, while also supporting ranching families and rural economies. The agency estimates grazing on Forest Service lands contributes more than 14,000 jobs and roughly $645 million annually to the nation’s gross domestic product.
Rollins said the proposal supports the administration’s effort to strengthen the American beef industry, while preserving the stewardship traditions of ranching families. Burgum added that aligning federal grazing rules will provide ranchers with more certainty and help lower costs.
Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.