Distinct Disappointment: Ag groups are criticizing the latest U.S. Fish and Wildlife grizzly bear proposal

“This proposed rule and rejected delisting petitions do nothing other than move the goal posts for species recovery and deny sound science...”

The ag industry is reacting to newly proposed rules from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services for grizzly bear recovery efforts.

The proposed rule would establish a distinct population segment covering parts of Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming. That means grizzly bears in those areas will maintain their threatened status under the Endangered Species Act.
Bears outside the area would lose those protections.

The agency argues the revisions will allow for greater management flexibility, but livestock producers are not so sure.

Garrett Edmonds with NCBA says, “This proposed rule and rejected delisting petitions do nothing other than move the goal posts for species recovery and deny sound science... It is disappointing to see the Fish and Wildlife Service create distinct population segments that spans four states, millions of acres, and multiple areas where the science already shows that grizzly bears have recovered.”

Edmonds says that if passed, this rule would make it harder for the recovered species to be delisted in the future.

Grizzly bears have been listed under the Endangered Species Act since 1975.

Related Stories
Strong plant output and rising exports contrast with softer domestic blending demand, suggesting margins are poised for volatility.
The Environmental Protection Agency confirms that new single-fluorinated pesticides are not PFAS and remain fully compliant with current safety standards.
The Cotton-4 are pushing hard for new value chain investments. Still, many U.S. cotton producers face unsustainable losses, and weakened regional textile capacity threatens the survival of the Carolina “dirt-to-shirt” supply chain.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen reviews the history of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and outlines how shifting definitions across multiple administrations have created regulatory confusion for landowners.
Gary Hall, co-founder of Hollywood Impact Studios Rehabilitation, joined the program to discuss using agriculture to provide opportunities and mentorship for at-risk youth in Southern California.
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association explains a new resource designed to help farmers comply with ESA-related pesticide label requirements.

Agriculture Shows
Crop yield champions David Hula from Virginia and Randy Dowdy from Georgia are back for another season with the aim of schooling more growers across the country in their winning ways.
“Texas Agriculture Matters” is a fun, informative look at the role of agriculture in our daily lives. The show utilizes the trademark wit and wisdom of its host Commissioner Sid Miller — an 8th-generation farmer-rancher and 12-time World Champion rodeo cowboy — to explore a new Texas ag-related topic each week.
From barnyards and back roads to metros and highways, Simply Southern TV on RFD-TV explores all of Alabama to bring you the best stories on farming, gardening, forestry, rural living, and youth in agriculture.
In the first week of each month, “Down Home Virginia,” produced by the Virginia Farm Bureau, airs its half-hour program. Other states’ Farm Bureaus featured on different weeks include Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Idaho, and New York, and news from the American Farm Bureau from Washington, D.C.
Created by former Louisiana Farm Bureau PR Director and former host Regnal Wallace, “This Week in Louisiana Agriculture,” is one of the state’s longest-running TV programs.