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
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on what the bill could mean for truckers.
Ohio AgNet’s Dusty Sonnenberg takes us up in the cab with a popcorn farmer bringing in this year’s haul.
The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
The Senate has cleared a path to reopen USDA, but full restoration of services depends on House approval and the President’s signature.
Mike Newland with the Propane Education & Research Council shares how producers can prepare for winter weather and the benefits of propane.
Verified U.S. data show real leather’s carbon footprint is lower than advertised — an edge for the American cattle industry in both marketing and byproduct value.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Strom of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined RFD-TV to provide the latest perspective on post-harvest business planning and cropland markets in the Midwest.
Dalton Henry, with U.S. Wheat Associates, joined RFD-TV to provide insight on what the pending trade frameworks may mean for American wheat growers.
Our friend Jake Charleston at Specialty Risk Insurance joins us for an industry update.
Mary-Thomas Hart, with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, discusses the latest WOTUS developments and their implications for agriculture.
Wed, 12/17/25 – 7:30 PM ET | 6:30 PM CT | 5:30 PM MT | 4:30 PM PT
A massive rail merger could significantly impact North American agriculture and trade flows.