Hard-Fought Win: SD ranching family has federal criminal charges from the previous administration dropped

“It was a huge win not only for us but for the agriculture community as a whole.”

Agriculture received a win this week as the government dropped all federal charges against South Dakota ranchers Charles and Heather Maude. The previous administration had lodged federal theft charges against them, claiming they stole federal land for personal use.

The Maudes spoke with RFD-TV’s Suzanne Alexander about their operation, their legal battle, and how their outcome can benefit American ag and ranching.

Related Stories
The Illinois Farm Bureau shows how hemp can regenerate the earth and boost rural economies.
Betsy Jibben with Ag Market Consulting takes us behind the scenes on report day with AgMarket.net.
A slimmed-down Farm Bill is back on the table in Washington, with lawmakers pushing for a deal by Fall 2025. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas weighs in with his outlook.
Foreign trade partners, such as China and the European Union, are still purchasing U.S. commodities, but are becoming more cautious as the Trump Administration’s tariff deadline approaches in August.