What would you think if I told you that the era of near‑unlimited flexibility in pesticide applications is coming to a close? The days of jumping into the sprayer as soon as fields are dry or calling the crop duster the moment conditions turn favorable for pests or pathogens are quickly fading. Change is coming – but why?

On Feb. 26, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) finalized removal of protections for the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), putting into effect a ruling made in a U.S. district court in Texas in August 2025.

A California study has found that one wolf can cause up to $162,000 in losses due to increased stress, reduced growth and reduced pregnancies.

Think pesticide regulations only affect farmers? Think again. Recent changes to the federal pesticide registration process could limit how – and where – ranchers can use pesticides to manage rangeland resources. Whether you use zinc phosphide to manage prairie dog populations or malathion to control grasshopper outbreaks, these new rules may directly affect your ability to manage these pests.

The NCBA lobbying team told those in attendance at NCBA’s CattleCon that better days lie ahead for beef producers with President Donald Trump.

“Each generation has had their unique spin on how to manage the ranch, with different approaches,” Alex Hart says. “We are becoming 21st century agriculturalists, promoting the good work ranchers and land managers do, taking care of the landscape sustainably.”

On Jan. 24, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced it filed notice of intent to sue the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) over the listing of the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act.