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Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Grazing Agreement Cuts Red Tape for Ranchers

The American Farm Bureau Federation is backing a new agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of the Interior aimed at improving grazing access on public lands. AFBF President Zippy Duvall said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will strengthen collaboration between ranchers and federal agencies while expanding access to grazing areas. “Public lands grazing supports livestock production, helps reduce wildfire risks, and bolsters rural economies across the western United States,” Duvall said. The agreement is also intended to streamline the permitting process by reducing delays, increasing transparency, and improving efficiency in approvals. Industry leaders say these changes will help ranchers better meet demand for beef and other protein sources while maintaining responsible land use. Supporters view the initiative as a step toward more effective land management and stronger partnerships between government agencies and agricultural producers.