ELLENSBURG, Wash. (RFD News) — Livestock groups are applauding the USDA’s recent move to expand grazing on public lands, while some environmental groups are raising concerns.
Chelsea Hajny with the Washington Cattlemen’s Association says ranchers play an important role in land management.
“The cattle preserve and protect the landscape in ways that humans can’t. They will go graze, and eat brush and other bushes that other animals won’t, which removes fire danger. Their hooves aerate the soil. Their manure gives back to fertilization. I mean, the list goes on and on and on about all the benefits that a cow gives to the landscape.”
Hajny says reducing wildfire risk is one of the biggest benefits of grazing on public lands.
“If the cow can graze that stubble down, if we do get fire, it’s not going to be as devastating. And so, the benefits of having a cow graze public lands are so beneficial. That’s something that we really do work to educate people because people don’t understand that.”
The guidance prioritizes vacant and closed grazing allotments, streamlines permitting, and expands flexibility for producers. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has also praised the move.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the expanded grazing guidance at RFD-TV’s Rural Town Hall presented by the Western Caucus Foundation and RFD-TV, which premieres July 1 only on RFD-TV and RFD+
LEARN MORE: Rural Town Hall presented by the Western Caucus Foundation and RFD-TV
