Trump Administration drops charges against the Maude Family Ranch

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
The new WOTUS proposal narrows federal jurisdiction, restores key agricultural exclusions, and gives farmers clearer permitting rules after years of regulatory uncertainty.
Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.
The ACRE Act modestly reduces farmland borrowing costs now, with more savings possible once federal guidance clarifies which loans qualify.
ARC-CO delivers the bulk of 2024 support, offering key margin relief as producers manage tight operating conditions.
Higher menu prices and tax-free tips are reshaping restaurant economics, sharply lifting server take-home pay even as diners face higher out-the-door costs.
U.S. Trade officials announced new deals with El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina, as well as a steep reduction in tariffs on Swiss imports.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal analysis on key cases shaping the agricultural landscape heading into the year ahead.
NASDA declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. President Amanda Beal joins us to share NASDA’s new hub, which highlights the impact of women in agriculture worldwide.
Matt Brockman, communications director for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, joined us to share a preview of the upcoming event.
RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports from Texas on the ongoing water dispute and its implications for U.S. farmers.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses the latest developments in the Supreme Court, trade tariffs, and the future of the USMCA under President Donald Trump.