Burgum Signs Order to Expand Federal Grazing

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum signed an order establishing the Rangeland Health Initiative to expand federal grazing access, reopen suspended allotments and speed up permit renewals, with permits covering the full 10-year term. The initiative directs agencies to identify available grazing lands and improve rangeland health, including through measures aimed at reducing wildfire risks; it also calls for reviewing predator policies and creating a mentorship program for beginning ranchers. The administration says the measures will support ranchers and domestic meat production as the U.S. cattle herd remains near a 75-year low. Sen. Roger Marshall, who joined Burgum to announce the initiative in Kansas, said expanded access and less red tape would help producers grow their operations.