RANCH Act

This bill, known as the Rebuilding America's National Cow Herd Act or the RANCH Act, directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a ranchland program. The program aims to support the United States cow herd by enrolling eligible cropland that has a cropping history and will be restored to perennial grass and forb cover to support grazing. Contracts under this program will typically last between 10 and 15 years, requiring a site-specific grazing management plan within two years of enrollment. Participants in the program will receive financial assistance, including annual rental payments equal to 75 percent of the county average dryland cash rental rate for cropland. Additionally, the Secretary will provide 50 percent cost-sharing for establishing perennial grass and forb cover. Further incentive payments are available, such as 50 percent of the cost for using high-quality diverse native seed mixes and an additional 50 percent of the cost share for beginning farmers or ranchers , with total cost-share payments capped at 100 percent of establishment costs. The program permits activities like grazing, fire management, and emergency haying under specific conditions, such as severe drought or natural disasters. Enrollment is continuous, with an acreage limitation of 20 million acres, and priorities include beginning farmers, livestock operations, and land supporting wildlife habitat. Upon contract expiration, eligible land is automatically enrolled in another conservation program, though producers have the option to opt out.