Beltway Beef Podcast: How Cattle Producer’s Conservation Saved the Lesser Prairie Chicken

Each week, Beltway Beef brings you the latest policy news affecting the U.S. cattle and beef industry. Hear from subject-matter experts, producers, and industry leaders on the topics that impact the business viability of farms and ranches across the country.

On this episode, Associate Director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Natural Resources Sigrid Johannes joins to discuss the Fish and Wildlife Service’s listing of the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Johannes explains how voluntary conservation efforts by cattle producers have protected lesser prairie chicken habitat and how the bird enjoys habitat achieved through cattle grazing. She unpacks some of the highly restrictive language in the portion of the rule that applies to the northern states in the species’ range, and what NCBA is fighting to change. Finally, Johannes explains how the Fish and Wildlife Service should improve their process for ESA listings by following science-based guidelines.