NCBA and PLC Denounce ESA Listing of Lesser Prairie Chicken

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) announced their opposition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) final rule to list the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act.

“Over and over the science has proven that healthy, diverse rangelands – the exact kind of landscape maintained by livestock grazing – are where the lesser prairie chicken thrives. Cattle ranchers’ efforts to conserve these acres are absolutely critical to the survival of the species,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and Public Lands...

Court Grants Agriculture Coalition Intervention in Gray Wolf Lawsuit

Yesterday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) and other agriculture coalition members commended a decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit that will allow the coalition to intervene in the case Defenders of Wildlife v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and defend the previous administration’s delisting of the gray wolf.

“Livestock producers are directly impacted by the species management decisions made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, especially when it comes to species with significant federal footprints. The decision to allow..."

Biden NEPA Framework Compromises Environmental, Economic Goals

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) today expressed concern that the Biden administration’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rule undermines progress made over the last several years at a time when efficient regulatory processes are critical to environmental and economic sustainability.

“When it comes to federal regulations, ranchers are often caught in the middle of political whiplash, and this CEQ process is no exception,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover. “Livestock producers and land managers need regulatory certainty and consistency..."

NCBA and PLC Welcome Expansion of ELAP

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) welcome the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to expand the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) to cover a portion of the costs incurred from the transportation of livestock to feed sources.

“We are appreciative that the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) listened to requests from producers who are suffering through the continued impact of multiple years of unprecedented drought and skyrocketing input costs. We are also grateful for the efforts of Senator..."

PLC and NCBA Denounce BLM Decision on APR Allotment Conversion

Today, the Public Lands Council (PLC) and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) denounced the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed decision on the American Prairie Reserve’s (APR) request to graze bison on seven grazing allotments in Montana.

“In addition to an unacceptable disregard for animal and rangeland health, this decision fails to address the longstanding, science-based concerns raised by Montana ranchers, land managers, and conservation experts. PLC, NCBA, and our partners on the ground have consistently raised foundational flaws in the BLM’s assessment, starting with the..."