Some big changes could be coming down the line for farmers and ranchers. The Fish and Wildlife Service is looking to list the monarch butterfly as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.
The Service says herbicides are killing milkweed, which is a breeding ground for the butterflies, but they note herbicide damage is minor compared to pesticide exposure. There are several exceptions they are proposing, giving farmers flexibility in areas like grazing, ranching, and mowing. The Wildlife Service is looking for comments on pesticide use and if any exceptions should be made there.
Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says, “We look forward to fully reviewing the proposed designation and plan to submit robust comments before the final determination. We are also committed to the larger goal of modernizing the Endangered Species Act to protect wildlife and promote voluntary efforts to preserve at-risk species.”
