USDA Urges Ranchers to Use Federal Grazing Directive

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins is encouraging livestock ranchers with grazing permits on U.S. Forest Service allotments to use a federal grazing directive issued June 12, 2026.

In a letter sent October 8, Rollins outlined the directive and invited ranchers to apply its provisions to their grazing allotments.

The directive is part of a broader federal policy effort to streamline and expand livestock grazing on federal lands, prioritize grazing, and support ranchers within existing laws and regulations. It builds on the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) October 2025 Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry and a March 2026 memorandum of understanding between the USDA and the Department of the Interior on grazing across Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.

“You embody the ethos of our nation’s founding 250 years ago,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “For the past 19 months, USDA has worked tirelessly to defend and promote our nation’s ranchers and give you the tools to help rebuild our Great American Cattle Herd. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Grazing Directive as we work together to accomplish shared goals on your respective allotments.”

What the Grazing Directive Calls For

The June directive instructs the Forest Service, consistent with applicable laws and regulations, to take several steps affecting livestock grazing on National Forest System lands:

• Restore grazing capacity: Take appropriate measures to restore at least 500,000 head months within two years.
• Maintain grazing levels: Implement a policy of no net loss of Animal Unit Months within allotments.
• Reopen allotments: Make vacant and closed allotments available for grazing.
• Improve wildfire planning: Strengthen wildfire planning, coordination, and recovery, including through the use of virtual fencing.
• Streamline environmental reviews: Improve efficiencies under the National Environmental Policy Act.
• Strengthen agency relationships: Improve coordination and build positive relationships with ranchers.

Animal Unit Months measure the amount of forage needed to support an animal unit for one month. Head months are another measure of livestock grazing use.

Federal Lands and Livestock Grazing

The Forest Service and BLM administer approximately 240 million acres of rangeland across 28 states, supporting more than 23,000 permittees and lessees.

According to the USDA, rebuilding the nation's beef and sheep herds will require the use of both Forest Service and BLM lands.

The directive also builds on a March 31, 2026, memorandum of understanding signed by Rollins and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The agreement addresses grazing on Forest Service and BLM lands.

Where Ranchers Can Find More Information

Ranchers can read the full letter to grazing allotment holders for additional details about the directive.

The USDA's Ranchers First webpage outlines agency actions related to grazing, processing, and the long-term strength of the U.S. cattle herd.

Producers who believe they have experienced agricultural lawfare can submit information through the USDA's Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework. Grazing-specific concerns can be sent to grazing@usda.gov.