USDA is directing the U.S. Forest Service to expand grazing opportunities on federal lands as part of the Trump administration’s effort to strengthen the nation’s ranching industry.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a new directive Friday instructing Forest Service employees to streamline grazing permits, prioritize reopening vacant and closed allotments, reduce regulatory delays, and improve engagement with ranchers.
Supporting Rural Economies & Food Security
The move advances a joint USDA and Interior Department grazing action plan aimed at restoring multiple-use management on federal lands and increasing livestock production capacity. USDA says the changes will help roughly 23,000 grazing permit holders and lessees who rely on public rangelands while supporting rural economies and food security.
Key Elements of the Directives:
- Expanding access to prioritize permitting vacant and closed allotments
- Maximizing grazing flexibilities to keep working lands working
- Eliminating delays by streamlining permitting and allotment authorizations
- Elevating rural Americans by giving ranchers a better voice
- Improving service by setting expectations for positive engagement with ranchers.
Click Here to learn more about last week’s directive.
This Removes Delays & Barriers
“Today’s announcement moves beyond broad policy goals and into implementation,” said R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair Shad Sullivan. “For years, ranchers have faced unnecessary delays, shrinking grazing opportunities, and regulatory barriers that have reduced livestock production on federal lands. This memorandum recognizes those challenges and directs the Forest Service to take concrete action to address them.
“Expanding responsible grazing opportunities on federal lands is one of the most practical tools available to increase domestic production capacity, strengthen rural economies, and improve our nation’s food security.
“We appreciate Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration for not only recognizing the importance of grazing to the future of American agriculture, but also for taking the next step of providing clear direction to ensure these commitments are carried out on the ground. We look forward to working with USDA as these reforms are implemented.”
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