Western Ag Network

USDA Ends Dairy Checkoff Funding for Climate, Carbon and ESG Initiatives September 22, 2026 U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is directing the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board to end dairy checkoff funding for projects advancing environmental, social and governance (ESG), net-zero and climate-neutrality initiatives, while ordering a review of all other checkoff programs for alignment with the policy. In a Sept.

Nevada Rancher Ron Cerri Takes Reins of Public Lands Council September 21, 2026 A changing of the guard is underway at the Public Lands Council as Nevada rancher Ron Cerri takes over as president following PLC’s 58th Annual Meeting in Copper Mountain, Colorado. Cerri, who has been involved with PLC for nearly 30 years and most recently served as vice president, will succeed Colorado rancher Tim Canterbury following the organization’s 58th Annual Meeting in Copper Mountain.

September 20, 2026 at 7:23:51 AM MDT September 20, 2026 The dust has settled at the 101st Annual Montana Ram Sale and 13th Annual Montana Ewe Sale hosted at the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds in Miles City, Montana. 40 Consignors from across Montana offered over 350 head of ewes and 290 head of rams. Buyers hauled sheep home to South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, and across Montana.

New Mexico Expands Surveillance Following Second NWS Case September 18, 2026 New Mexico animal health officials have confirmed the state’s second case of New World screwworm, identified Sept. 17 in a horse in Grant County. In response, state and federal officials are expanding surveillance and fly-trapping around the affected location to identify any additional cases and determine whether the pest has spread beyond the affected animal.

Montana Rancher Says Public Lands Grazing Remains Critical as Bison Debate Continues September 18, 2026 Ranchers from across the West are gathered in Colorado this week for the Public Lands Council’s 58th Annual Meeting, discussing federal grazing, land management and the challenges facing livestock producers who depend on America’s public lands.

Public Lands Ranchers are Making Their Voices Heard in Colorado September 17, 2026 Public lands ranchers from across the West are gathering in Colorado this week for the 2026 Public Lands Council Annual Meeting, where federal grazing policy, land management and the future of ranching on federal lands are taking center stage. For Public Lands Council President and Colorado rancher Tim Canterbury, the annual meeting is more than a chance for producers to hear from national leaders.

Senate Agriculture Committee Advances 2026 Farm Bill September 16, 2026 The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced its version of the 2026 Farm Bill Wednesday, sending the legislation to the full Senate and marking the latest step in a lengthy effort to reauthorize the Farm Bill. The committee voted 12-11 to advance the legislation along party lines. There were no amendments offered and no changes made to the legislation during Wednesday’s committee action.

BLM Announces 2026 Rangeland Stewardship and Innovations Award Winners September 16, 2026 At the Public Lands Council (PLC) Annual Meeting this week, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced winners of the 2026 Rangeland Stewardship and Rangeland Innovation awards to recognize exemplary management and outstanding accomplishments in restoring and maintaining the health of public rangelands.

New Mexico Officials Ready Santa Teresa Cattle Crossing for Potential Reopening September 16, 2026 As USDA approaches the one-month mark since reopening the Douglas, Arizona, land port to Mexican cattle, New Mexico officials are now preparing for the reopening of their own port, the Santa Teresa livestock port of entry, according to the state's top ag official.

Operation Hay Lift Brings Relief to Ranchers Hit by Drought September 14, 2026 As drought conditions continue to impact ranchers across the Northern Plains, Farm Rescue is launching Operation Hay Lift, an effort to help farm and ranch families secure the feed they need to care for their livestock. Through Operation Hay Lift, Farm Rescue will provide hay transportation assistance to eligible producers in North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana who have been impacted by drought conditions.