NCBA says the new Interior Department’s Deputy Secretary brings new certainty to rangelands

Ag groups are applauding the Senate’s confirmation of Kate MacGregor as Deputy Secretary of the Interior.

She is returning to the role after previously serving in the first Trump Administration. They say that her experience and understanding of land management issues could help shape future policy. The Public Lands Council points to MacGregor’s knowledge of how grazing reduces wildfire risk and her support for balanced range management.

“She’s coming into this position knowing that grazing reduces the risk of wildfire by 45 to 80 percent. She knows that more than two-thirds of western livestock spend time grazing on federal lands. She knows how to manage that complex multiple-use profile and what a careful hand it takes to keep that balance,” said NCBA’s Kaitlynn Glover.

The Public Lands Council says MacGregor’s confirmation will help move key policies forward, including grazing reform and clarity over the Endangered Species Act.

Related Stories
Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us with his outlook on crop insurance and risk management following the recent winter storm that tore through most of the United States, including the Midwest.
Payment totals alone do not show financial stress — production costs and net losses complete the picture.
Year-round E15 remains on the table, but procedural caution and competing regional interests pushed action into a slower, negotiated path.
A mid-January winter storm delivered snow, ice, and extreme cold to a broad swath of the U.S., disrupting transportation, stressing livestock systems, and adding cost and complexity to winter farm operations as producers look toward spring.
Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses how January’s WASDE report could impact ARC and PLC payments and updates on disaster relief programs as farmers navigate a challenging market environment.