Trump Administration Proposes Expanded Grazing Access Across 16 States
The U.S. government proposed new rules to streamline grazing permits and expand livestock access on federal lands across 16 Western states to support the beef industry.
The Trump administration proposed the Rangeland Management Rule to expand and streamline grazing access for ranchers across 16 Western states. Announced by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the proposal targets grazing permit eligibility, insurance procedures, and fee provisions on national forests and grasslands.
The initiative aims to reduce bureaucracy by creating consistency between the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Key changes include extending livestock use permits for up to five years and increasing opportunities for beginning ranchers. Federal officials stated that managed grazing supports rural economies, contributing over 14,000 jobs and $645 million annually to the GDP, while reducing wildfire risk by addressing dry grass buildup.
In North Dakota, Senator John Hoeven is collaborating with Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring to specifically revise the Travel Management Rule for the Little Missouri Grasslands. This effort seeks to ensure ranchers have section line rights-of-way to reach cattle on federal land. The administration intends for these combined updates to strengthen the American beef industry and lower operational costs for ranching families.
