CATTLE PRODUCERS TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESS
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harmful business regulations. At the same time, two NCBA members were delivering this message before a different committee, the House Natural Resources Committee.
Washington rancher Kent Clark and Colorado rancher Robbie LeValley testified together about the reintroduction of dangerous predator species in the West and steps Congress can take to address the unintended consequences of nonessential experimental populations under section 10( j) of the Endangered Species Act( ESA).
“ Too often, Washington bureaucrats pursue policies like reintroducing experimental populations of dangerous wolves and grizzly bears right in the heart of ranching communities. Sadly, ranchers like me have seen the devastating impact of these decisions with these predators harming our cattle and threatening rural residents,” Clark said.“ My message to Congress is to listen to rural communities and rethink policies that may sound good in Washington but will make life harder in rural America.”
During the Biden administration, activists sought to expand the population of gray wolves and reintroduce the grizzly bear to the North Cascades Ecosystem. Those actions have a devastating effect on ranchers who are the backbone of rural communities and their local economies.
For the gray wolf, the species has been on the endangered species list since 1974, but the population has recovered, exceeding recovery goals by 300 %. Despite the gray wolf being an example of species recovery, activists have continued to sue, forcing the wolf to remain on the endangered species list. As wolf numbers continue increasing, predators are having more encounters with livestock leading to numerous attacks against cattle.
In 2023, the grizzly bear reintroduction was announced despite widespread opposition from local communities who would be living with another apex predator in their backyard. Grizzly bears are more than 20 times more
Kent Clark( WA) speaks to House Natural Resources Committee on ESA listings.
Robbie LeValley( CO) testifies on the detrimental effects of gray wolf predation. dangerous than black bears, and their bite force is capable of shredding the human body within seconds. These bears are also well known for breaking into homes, fatally mauling humans, and devastating livestock and pets alike.
Farmers and ranchers in rural communities have the most experience with these dangerous predator species, and both Clark and LeValley drew on their firsthand knowledge to educate lawmakers. LeValley specifically focused on section 10( j) of the Endangered Species Act, which allows experimental populations of predator species to be reintroduced.
“ Experimental populations carry the burden of regulatory systems built on hope that a 10( j) population can thrive, and one day be part of the numbers that can lead to a‘ recovered’ population.
NCBA President Buck Wehrbein testified to the Senate Agriculture Committee on the hardships cattlemen and women face.
For wolves and bears, and other species that are undoubtedly recovered, additional 10( j) populations unnecessarily expand the regulatory burdens over a wider area since their success has little bearing on the species’ ultimate listing status,” LeValley said.“ Across the country, the ESA has become a barrier to sound management of land and wildlife resources.”
Through these hearings before the Senate Agriculture Committee, House Agriculture Committee and House Natural Resources Committee, real cattle producers and NCBA members had the opportunity to tell Congress exactly how they can support the cattle industry. To watch the full hearings and learn more, visit ncba. org.
8 APRIL 2025 www. NCBA. org