Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Applaud Bipartisan RANCH Act to Expand Grazing Lands and Wildlife Habitat

August 19, 2026 – Washington, D.C. – Today, Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced the Rebuilding America's National Cow Herd (RANCH) Act, legislation that would help producers convert marginal cropland to perennial cover for managed grazing. With America's beef cow herd at its smallest size in 70 years and grasslands disappearing at a rapid pace, the RANCH Act would support livestock production by increasing access to grazing lands, allowing existing operations to expand and providing opportunities for young and beginning producers, while also creating additional habitat for wildlife.

"The RANCH Act is a smart investment in America's working lands at a critical time for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities," said Andrew Schmidt, director of government affairs for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. "Giving producers the tools to convert marginal cropland to grazing land can help ranchers grow their operations, bring more grass back to the landscape, and increase the habitat that pheasants, quail, and other wildlife depend on. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever thank Senators Rounds and Klobuchar for their leadership on this important legislation."

"Anyone who has spent time around cattle understands one simple truth: no grass means no cattle," said Rounds. "With ranchers facing drought, high input costs and a shortage of grazing land, America's beef cow herd is at its smallest size in over 70 years. The RANCH Act would create a voluntary Ranchland Program that helps producers restore eligible marginal cropland into grasslands for grazing. Producers can use their land in a way that makes the most sense for each individual operation, giving those who know their land best the tools needed to succeed."

"With the U.S. cattle herd at its smallest size in over 70 years, many farmers and ranchers need new opportunities to stay afloat," said Klobuchar. "The bipartisan RANCH Act will help farmers looking to start a cow-calf herd or expand their existing herd while also providing wildlife habitat on the land. In the long-term, this plan can rebuild the domestic cattle herd and help drive down beef costs."

The RANCH Act would create a voluntary program for producers to establish up to 20 million acres of perennial forage on marginal and highly erodible cropland, expanding grazing opportunities while improving the health and resilience of working lands. The program would provide annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to help producers establish perennial cover, with additional incentives for beginning farmers and ranchers and the use of high-quality native seed mixes. Enrolled acres would remain available for grazing throughout the contract. By making it easier to transition less productive cropland to perennial forage, the RANCH Act would help producers strengthen their operations and manage risk while delivering benefits for wildlife habitat, soil health, and water quality.

About Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 500,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent — the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to 580,000 habitat projects benefiting 31 million acres.

Media Contact
Mikayla Peper
715-294-0688
mpeper@pheasantsforever.org