Video & Transcript Research : 'ranching'
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WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, June 11, 2026 - AM
Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House agriculture committee approves HF770 3/3/25
Transcript Highlights:
- The first on the list here is Matt Hardy from Rust Hill Ranch.
- I own and operate Rust Hill Ranch in Chisago County.
- rust Hill Ranch rust Hill Ranch please<00:03:31.280>
come <00:03:31.439>to <00:03:31.640 - <00:03:56.599>
operate <00:03:56.879>rust <00:03:57.200>Hill <00:03:57.360>Ranch - <00:03:57.720>
in <00:03:57.879>Chisago and operate rust Hill Ranch in Chisago and
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- It also has the fourth largest farms and ranches.
- Now we're Down to just 20,976 farms and ranches.
- We typically, and this is for a ranch hand, ranch hand trainer in a regenerative land ranch.
- I have a ranch too. We have no control over how those winds blow.
- I want kids to be involved in active farming or ranching. I really do.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 26th, 2026 at 11:01 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate do hereby confirm the reappointment of Valerie Chasey Sullivan to the Board of the Farm and Ranch
- Please welcome our newest member of the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. Mr.
- President, please welcome our newest member of the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. Mr.
- He's in the ranching industry.
- The reappointment of Patrick Julian Mayez as a member of the Board of the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Financial Estimate Committee - Drafting Meeting Jul 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Any industry that deals with animals—ranching was a big example.
- “So one of the examples we've been talking about is ranching.
- So you're not just losing jobs in ranching.
- So you're not just losing jobs in ranching.
- If you're a ranch hand and you are working with livestock that are no longer being ranched in Oregon,
Summary:
The Financial Estimate Committee met on July 6, 2026, to begin work on the financial estimate for IP 28, after reviewing the statutory process and confirming that only IP 28 had cleared the signature threshold for consideration. Staff explained the committee’s duties under ORS 250.125 and the timeline for draft statements, public hearing, and final adoption. The committee also designated Carol Moreno C. Fuentes to file the committee’s eventual statements.
Staff from the Department of Administrative Services and the Legislative Revenue Office presented preliminary analysis of IP 28, describing major uncertainties in estimating impacts because the measure is not a tax law change and would affect multiple industries and government functions. Preliminary figures discussed included an estimated $56.5 million loss in the current biennium and $6.7 million in reduced expenditures, with larger projected revenue losses of roughly $244.1 million to $258 million and reduced expenditures of $30.7 million to $34.9 million in 2027–29, plus $87.8 million to $88.3 million in increased expenditures. Analysts said the biggest effects would likely involve agriculture, fish and wildlife, hunting and fishing, local government enforcement, and possible shifts in state funding, but many impacts remained difficult to quantify.
Committee members raised concerns about local government costs, law enforcement and prosecution burdens, impacts on the hospitality and recreation sectors, possible effects on tribal governments and treaty rights, and whether the measure would affect shellfish and crabbing. They also discussed the Humane Transition Fund, subsidies, possible litigation costs, and whether the statement should include broader uncertainty language and multiple scenarios. Members generally agreed the draft should be revised to better reflect uncertainty, clarify assumptions, and possibly use bullets or other formatting to improve readability.
No vote was taken. The committee agreed to treat the current draft as a working version, with staff to revise it based on the discussion and return an updated draft before the next meeting scheduled for July 17 at 2 p.m., with both in-person and virtual participation available.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, as we have just a brief background here, the Texas Farm and Ranch Land Conservation Program serves
- Uh, my family ranches over in Angelina and Cherokee County there.
- The Texas Farm and Ranch Land Conservation Program represents a tool to address this problem.
- ranch land is essential for preserving Texas agricultural heritage and protects our ability to feed
- Of private ranches, private farms, forest lands.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Sep 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- the contours of those seven permissible topics, especially as they've been clarified since Chicken Ranch
- What that looks like in concrete terms is there are certain terms that Chicken Ranch specifically said
- This is a situation where, going back to the Ninth Circuit's decision in Chicken Ranch, after that decision
- Broadly similar to some of the amendments I mentioned to Pinoleville, the core Chicken Ranch topics,
- Broadly similar to some of the amendments I mentioned to Pinoleville, the core Chicken Ranch topics,
Summary:
The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee held an informational hearing on four Tribal-State Gaming Compacts and amendments negotiated between Governor Newsom and federally recognized tribes. Chair Blanca Rubio emphasized that no formal vote would be taken because the Legislature cannot amend the compacts; the ratification bills are AB 1527 and SB 864. Matthew Lee, Senior Advisor for Tribal Negotiations, explained that the compacts were negotiated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and were structured to stay within the permissible subjects identified and clarified by the Ninth Circuit’s Chicken Ranch decision.
Lee first described the Trinidad Rancheria compact, which would allow up to 1,200 gaming devices at up to three facilities and includes labor protections, minimum wage requirements, anti-harassment and anti-retaliation provisions, state regulatory cost recovery, and revenue-sharing terms for operations above 350 devices. He then discussed the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians amendment, which extends the existing compact while the tribe and state remain in federal court, preserving the status quo and adding the state’s standard off-track wagering appendix.
For the Pinoleville-Pomo Nation amendment, Lee said the compact was updated to reflect current law and more recent state compacts by removing environmental review and family law provisions, narrowing tort protections, revising revenue-sharing and impact mitigation terms, and updating financial disclosure language. For the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Lee said the amendment similarly removed Chicken Ranch-related provisions, narrowed tort and facility definitions, added a commitment to bargain in good faith over any future new forms of class III gaming, and extended the compact through 2036. Sycuan Chairman Cody Martinez testified in support, noting the tribe’s long history in gaming, its employment of more than 3,000 people, and its desire to continue operating its casino resort. No opposition was voiced, and the committee took no vote.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So a tick rider, you know, a ranch might have a dozen tick riders.
- We have you registered as John Sewell, uh, ranch owner, Harris Ranch, uh, representing the Harris Ranch
- What's a, what's a high fence ranch with nothing on it?
- And Texas is a wonderful place to be in the in the ranching and hunting world.
- The days of every ranch having 12 cowboys on horseback are long gone.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, a ranch might have a dozen tick routers.
- We have him registered as John Sewell, ranch owner, Harris Ranch.
- You know, a producer's ranch, where you could have a lot more control.
- Well, it's going to be for John on the ranch and that, but yeah.
- What's a high-fence ranch with nothing on it?
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Ranching knowledge that he brings, especially with the disease side, is so vitally important today.
- And we were lucky enough to ranch.
- Um Um Um ranching ranching ranching the<00:21:24.760>
the <00:21:24.880>knowledge <00:21 - Ranching knowledge that he brings, especially with the disease side, is so vitally important today.
- Ag doesn't survive if we cannot have the lands to farm and ranch on and water resources.
Summary:
The committee heard gubernatorial nominations for the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. For GM 615, Matthew Liam was nominated to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, CGAPS, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in strong support, citing his landscape industry leadership, pesticide training background, and prior service. Members asked about his experience in Australia and his approach to restricted-use pesticides; he said he avoided using restricted-use pesticides in his landscaping business but applied related safety and recordkeeping practices. Testimony was unanimous in support, with no opposition or comments.
For GM 616, N. Young was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Support testimony from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council highlighted his experience with Lanai agriculture, Sensei, the Food Basket, Pacific Gateway Center, Kamehameha Schools, and institutional purchasing. In response to questions, he discussed balancing public and private funding, the need for adequate capitalization of agricultural projects, and using financial tools to help farmers and accelerate agricultural income streams. He also said the board should focus on making agricultural land productive and strengthening food security. The nomination drew strong support, with no opposition or comments.
For GM 617, Jason Moniz was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council supported him, emphasizing his decades of veterinary and animal disease control experience, ranching background, and knowledge of biosecurity, leases, and livestock issues. Moniz said his priorities would be preserving agricultural land and water resources, improving biosecurity, supporting farmers and ranchers, and increasing food production in Hawaii. He also said he would be willing to speak up for agriculture and not let the department be sidelined. The nomination received 29 written and oral supports, with no opposition or comments.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Nov 6th, 2025
Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Manny Encinas, who is a rancher and his family owns the Buffalo Creek Ranch and Trilogy Beef.
- I've been able to bring back a daughter to the ranch after graduating from college.
- which supports the ranch.
- The other son that has a ranch supports his ranching habit with a fencing company and a feed store.
- To the cattle and get them off the ranch because we're in such a drought.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- of the most recent projects that was approved at the September 30th Board of Trustees meeting: 4G Ranch
- Hollingsworth Ranch, Pine Level.
- But here's what most people don't see when they drive by this ranch: that land is feeding his family,
- To the cars that drive by, it's a ranch. To the rancher, it's home. But to us, it's a...
- That ranch, like so many agricultural operations across our state, sits on the edge of a decision.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Agriculture convened with a quorum and heard presentations focused on land conservation and agricultural preservation in Florida. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services briefed the committee on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, explaining that it protects active agricultural lands through permanent conservation easements while keeping land in private ownership and on the tax rolls. The presentation emphasized eligibility for greenbelted active agricultural operations, required best management practices, and the program’s role in protecting food supply, water resources, habitat, and military buffering. Officials said the program’s 2025 ranked list includes 428 projects, with about 75 projects expected to start this year, and noted strong partnership funding from federal, local, and conservation partners. Committee members asked about eligibility, annual re-ranking, local government involvement, and the number of projects likely to receive funding.
Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida testified in support of continued and increased funding for land conservation, arguing that Florida is losing agricultural and natural lands and that conservation easements and fee-simple acquisitions are complementary tools. She said land trusts work with willing landowners to protect ranches, wetlands, forests, and wildlife corridors, and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum so projects do not stall as land values rise. In discussion with senators, she said public access to conserved lands depends on the specific deal and the landowner’s goals, and that access is more commonly provided through lands acquired for parks, forests, and other public green space.
The Department of Environmental Protection then updated the committee on the Florida Forever program. DEP said the program uses both conservation easements and fee-simple acquisitions, with about half of acquisitions done through easements, and that it provides benefits including water quality, habitat protection, recreation, and military readiness. Officials reported 60 projects on the 2025-26 work plan, most in the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and said the state has invested more than $1.4 billion since 2019, acquiring over 374,000 acres. They highlighted recent acquisitions for Sandy Creek State Forest, Catfish Creek Preserve State Park, and a new state park in Walton County, as well as the program’s 200th conservation easement. The committee also discussed funding levels, payment in lieu of taxes impacts on small counties, and broader priorities such as citrus, roads, and support for agriculture; no votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Agriculture Oct 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Hollingsworth Ranch, Pine Level.
- Imagine a 1,500-acre ranch in central Florida: a sea of native grasses swaying in the wind.
- But here's what most people don't see when they drive by this ranch: that land is feeding his family,
- To the cars that drive by, it's a ranch. To the rancher, it's home.
- We protect land, ranch lands, timberlands, wetlands, beaches, spring sheds, and forests.
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture met to hear updates on land conservation and agricultural preservation programs. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, explaining that it protects active agricultural lands through conservation easements while keeping land in private ownership and on the tax rolls. The director said the program requires participants to use agricultural best management practices, noted strong demand with 428 ranked projects for 2025, and reported that consistent legislative funding and partnerships with USDA, DOD, local governments, land trusts, and water management districts have expanded acreage protected, much of it within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Committee members asked about eligibility, ranking, local government involvement, and how many projects are typically funded each year.
Conservation Florida’s president and CEO testified that both Rural and Family Lands and Florida Forever are critical and complementary tools for preserving working lands, wildlife habitat, water resources, and public access to nature. She warned that uncertainty or cuts in state funding can stall projects, raise land prices, and reduce conservation momentum. In discussion with senators, she said public access is often negotiated case by case and is more common on lands acquired for parks, forests, and other public green space than on conservation easements.
The Department of Environmental Protection then updated the committee on Florida Forever, describing it as the state’s premier conservation and recreation land acquisition program. DEP said Florida Forever uses both conservation easements and fee-simple purchases, with about half of acquisitions done through easements, and emphasized that steady funding is needed to keep projects moving. The deputy secretary reported 60 projects on the current work plan, more than $1.4 billion invested since 2019, and recent acquisitions including new state forest, park, and preserve expansions. Members also raised concerns about payment in lieu of taxes for fiscally constrained counties, local notification of acquisitions, and the need for continued support for agriculture, citrus, roads, and conservation funding. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after member comments and public testimony.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- the state of Oklahoma fight for their farms, ranches, and rural way of life.
- the state of Oklahoma fight for their farms, ranches, and rural way of life.
- The same company that was involved in the Texas case at the Coleman Ranch.
- The same company that was involved in the Texas case at the Coleman Ranch.
- We have a ranch in Montana. I live in Texas.
Summary:
The committee hearing focused on biosolids, sewage sludge, and PFAS contamination, with the opening remarks and first three presenters arguing that land application of municipal sludge poses serious risks to soil, water, livestock, and human health. Representative Shaw cited EPA and state data on detected pollutants and PFAS in biosolids, while Denise Travick Poyer described her background in chemical engineering and PFAS work and said the EPA’s draft sewage sludge risk assessment shows unacceptable risk at very low PFOS/PFOA levels. She urged source reduction, more testing, and consideration of total organic fluorine, and noted examples from Michigan where industrial pretreatment and source reduction reduced PFAS in biosolids. Johnson County, Texas Commissioner Larry Woolley and Investigator Dana Ames presented a case study of alleged runoff from land-applied biosolids affecting a ranch, with high PFAS readings in soil, water, fish, cattle tissue, and a stillborn calf, and said the county and state had pursued investigations, lawsuits, and legislative responses. Sandra Trawick of Save Oklahoma Farms and Ranches argued that Oklahoma’s biosolids program relies heavily on Class B sludge, that current rules are outdated, and that land application exposes farms and rural communities to pathogens, chemicals, odors, flies, and runoff; she cited examples from Maine, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma to support calls for stronger regulation or a ban.
After the testimony, members asked about sampling methods, lab testing, EPA limits, and whether the cited PFAS blood levels were comparable to the soil and sludge measurements. Witnesses said the Johnson County samples were collected by a Texas A&M PhD contractor and tested at a single lab, and they explained that the EPA’s 4 parts per trillion figure applied to municipal drinking water standards. Questions also addressed whether sludge is incorporated into soil; Trawick said it had often been left on the surface, though she had seen better disking after public scrutiny. Members asked how biosolids compare with manure and feedlot waste, and witnesses responded that municipal sludge is more contaminated because it includes industrial, hospital, and household waste streams, unlike animal manure. The committee then moved to alternative solutions, hearing from Doug McKinney of Advanced Microbial Solutions, who promoted biological sludge removal using bacteria to reduce sludge volumes and avoid land application, citing cost savings for wastewater plants and correctional facilities. Jason Jepsen of Eden Energy followed with a pitch for an eight-stage waste-to-energy system that converts mixed waste into clean energy, biochar, and reusable products, framing waste as an asset and presenting his company’s technology as a no-land-application alternative.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-WTL-EDT-EIG, WTL-AEN Public Hearings 03-19-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:04:45.120>
one land stewardship for Kualoa Ranch, one land stewardship for Kualoa Ranch - >
required <00:05:37.560>by example, Kualoa Ranch is required by example, Kualoa Ranch - Taylor Kellerman, Kualoa Ranch. Yeah, thanks, Taylor.
- <00:32:58.920>
Yeah, Taylor Kellerman, Kualoa Ranch. - We all support ranching in some shape or form, along with the agritourism.
Summary:
The joint committees met on March 19, 2025, to hear HB 966 HD2, which would create statewide standards for agricultural tourism in counties that adopt ag-tourism ordinances. The bill would require registration with county planning departments, require ag-tourism to remain tied to an active farming operation, and end the activity when the agricultural use stops except in limited circumstances. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kualoa Ranch, and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with several witnesses emphasizing that agritourism can help farm viability, food security, and public education about agriculture.
The Hawaii Farm Bureau and several other testifiers supported agritourism but urged strong guardrails, minimal statewide standards, and deference to county home rule. They said agriculture should remain the primary activity, warned against adding burdens to farmers and ranchers, and suggested better enforcement and agricultural expertise within county planning departments. Phil Weber and others argued for objective standards, such as minimum revenue or work-performed thresholds, annual reporting, and clearer compliance tools, and cautioned that the bill’s termination exemption could be too broad if not tightened.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill should apply to Department of Agriculture lands, especially ag park lands, and to DLNR lands. Department of Agriculture staff explained that ag park lands currently do not allow agritourism, while non-ag park lands under Act 90 allow limited related activity tied to farm production, with revenue limits and other conditions. Members and witnesses debated how to define and measure agritourism, how to enforce county rules, and whether to exempt ag park parcels or otherwise clarify that existing DOA rules would control. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the chair requested follow-up language from DOA to address possible exemptions and clarify the bill’s application.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We ranch full-time and raise sheep, goats, and cattle.
- We need young children to view farming and ranching as an attainable profession.
- of agriculture and want to farm and ranch.
- It was my mother's dream to own and operate a ranch. Unfortunately, she passed away.
- It does not require me to make another trip to your ranch.
Keywords:
agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs
Summary:
The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Nov 6th, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So here is a little bit about what we do know about Zorro Ranch.
- And in 2023, Zorro Ranch sold to an unknown buyer that was essentially a shell corporation.
- But they were being brought to the ranch under The auspices of being models.
- I do believe New Mexicans have a right to know what happened at this ranch.
- About what potentially he could have done at the ranch. And that's what makes me so angry.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We have ranches using this on cow-calf operations throughout the state.
- And if you looked at our ranch, you knew natives had been all over this ranch at a prior time.
- My family owns and operates the Slash Ranch, a historic Slash Ranch in Beaverhead Gila Forest, about
- We ranch in Torrance County, and back in 2019, we had the same realization as John.
- Our ranch in the Guadalupe Mountains last year just didn't receive water.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Many ranches and farmers already practicing that from years gone by.
- Many ranches and farmers already XYZ.
- Many ranches and farmers already practicing<00:12:55.800>
that <00:12:56.400>from <00:12 - Uh, also, we have a lot of drug activity that's happening on ranches and farmers, you know?
- and farmers, you happening on ranches and farmers, you know?
Summary:
The Senate AEN committee heard and considered four gubernatorial nominations. GM 511 was for Harry Purdy III to the Moloka‘i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board; testimony in support came from DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Moloka‘i community members, and Purdy described his long background in Moloka‘i homestead farming and the challenges facing new farmers. GM 676 was for Denise Kuano to the same board; the committee noted support from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and it was reported that Kuano could not testify because of a family emergency. GM 771 was for James Gomes to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity; the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council strongly supported him, citing his long agricultural experience, advocacy, and prior board service, and Gomes emphasized ag crime enforcement, land access, water, and support for farmers and ranchers. GM 772 was for Michelle Lefebvre to the Environmental Advisory Council; the Environmental Advisory Council and OPSD supported her, and Lefebvre discussed her work on the council’s exemptions committee and the need for better public understanding of the environmental review process.
Members asked nominees questions about barriers for young homesteaders, ag crime enforcement, prior board service, environmental stewardship, and public engagement in environmental review. Gomes said the biggest challenges include lack of experience for new homesteaders, weak enforcement against ag crimes and drug activity on ranches, and the need for more land and resources for agriculture. Lefebvre said the environmental review process often falls short in public understanding and that comments are not a vote but part of an analytical process.
After testimony, the committee reported support counts for each nomination and then voted to recommend advise and consent on all four measures. GM 511, GM 676, GM 771, and GM 772 were each adopted unanimously by the members present, with some members excused. The chair then announced the committee would move on to the next agenda item.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Wildlife Apr 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Agriculture and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- I could believe it, but I also I've also lived on a ranch, owned a ranch, and worked on a ranch covering
- The high-fenced ranches that are wanting to sell this, who do they fall under regulation-wise?
- What's the financial incentive for these high-fence ranches to sell away the product that brings them
- They also operate a farm and ranch across Major and Blaine counties.
- And also, have processed water buffalo that has been hunted off a ranch as well.
Keywords:
farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, 914, all