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
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
Understanding how these tax provisions interact will be key for farmers planning long-term equipment purchases or transfers within the family.
The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
With China halting U.S. soybean purchases and talks tied to broader strategic issues, growers face renewed export uncertainty.
