The Endangered Species Act - A Weapon Against Farmers and Ranchers?

By Paige Wallace, NCBA Communications

Enacted in 1973, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was intended to prevent the extinction of species by recovering them and removing them from the threatened and endangered species list. However, two decades have passed since ESA was last reauthorized. Despite its worthy goal, ESA, as it stands now, is failing - evidenced by the fact that less than two percent of listed species have been declared recovered since ESA was enacted. Livestock producers have had to bear the brunt of severe land and resource restrictions and countless lawsuits, brought by environmental extremists and funded by taxpayer dollars.

Instead of using ESA to protect species, extreme environmental groups use it as a weapon against farmers and ranchers.

In this interview with Dustin Van Liew, NCBA's Director of Federal Lands, we learn how NCBA is working to update the Endangered Species Act and make it cohesive with the twenty first century.



NCBA believes that grazing offers species protection and recovery. Well-managed grazing improves wildlife habitat by reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire, helping to prevent the spread of noxious weeds and encouraging healthy root systems and robust forage growth. In this I am Angus video, a former "eco-radical" speaks about what fueled his decision to become an advocate for ranching and his research that proves its importance.