AFBF welcomes decision to rescind 2024 grazing regulation
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) expressed strong support for the federal government’s plan to rescind the 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health Rule. The proposal had raised serious concerns among farmers and ranchers because it threatened long-standing grazing traditions on U.S. federal lands.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall commended the administration and Secretary Burgum for recognizing that the rule would not achieve its intended purpose. Instead, he said it would have limited ranchers’ ability to manage and care for public lands responsibly.
Farmers and ranchers have a long history of protecting the natural resources they use. Grazing livestock on federal lands helps reduce wildfire risks by clearing brush, controls invasive plant species, and promotes the overall health of rangelands.
Duvall explained that the Farm Bureau challenged the 2024 rule in court because it exceeded the Bureau of Land Management’s authority and unfairly restricted ranchers. Such restrictions, he noted, could reduce the nation’s supply of safe, affordable protein for families.
By acting to reverse the rule, the administration shows it understands the importance of ranching to both the environment and the economy. Duvall urged officials to finalize the rescission quickly to give farmers and ranchers the certainty they need to continue their stewardship of public lands.
This decision reaffirms the critical role of responsible grazing in protecting ecosystems while supporting rural communities and America’s food security.