New Legislation Aims to Protect Calves from Overpopulated Predators
A bipartisan group in the House has introduced the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025, gaining praise from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).
The proposed legislation aims to reduce restrictions on farmers protecting calves from rising black vulture attacks.
Representatives John Rose (R-TN) and Darren Soto (D-FL), who represent farming-heavy districts, introduced the bill to address the growing crisis. Farmers across the South and Midwest have reported black vultures killing newborn calves, especially during peak calving seasons.
Garrett Edmonds, NCBA Director of Government Affairs, stated, “Being in the middle of Spring calving season back home, these predators target the newborns – the weakest animals who cannot defend themselves.”
Under current law, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it difficult for cattle producers to take action. The new bill would allow them to manage the vulture threat more effectively by letting them “take” black vultures through capturing, relocating, or lethal means when necessary.
In addition, the bill simplifies the process by removing the need for individual permits. Instead, producers would only have to submit one report each year stating the number of birds they took. This approach removes red tape and improves response speed.
Some states, like Florida, have seen black vulture damage rise above 30%, placing heavy burdens on already strained cattle herds. With the U.S. cattle population at its lowest in decades, the Black Vulture Relief Act is seen as a necessary step to protect the future of livestock farming.