The Trump Administration announced it has dropped criminal charges against a South Dakota ranching family.
Charles and Heather Maude faced federal charges over a fence-line and planting disputes involving 50 acres of federal land. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said it was a civil case, and the charges should never have escalated. She said the actions of the previous administration caused turmoil for the Maude family.
The Maude Family will speak at a news conference in Washington tomorrow.
Related Stories
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.
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
SDRP Stage 2 now helps producers recover shallow, uninsured losses from major 2023–2024 disasters, with streamlined sign-ups open through April 30.
The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.
