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
WTO gauges point to agricultural raw materials trade growing more slowly than overall goods, reinforcing the need to manage export risk and monitor policy shifts closely.
Kip Eideberg with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers details its campaign spotlighting the people who build equipment vital to farming and food manufacturing.
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
Federal lawyers submitted a brief this week backing Bayer’s argument that federal laws governing herbicides like Roundup should prevent lawsuits over the popular chemical.
The Environmental Protection Agency confirms that new single-fluorinated pesticides are not PFAS and remain fully compliant with current safety standards.