ranchers

American ranchers are warning that a tightened immigration crackdown could drive beef prices even higher, on top of already elevated costs at the grocery store. The industry relies heavily on immigrant labor for processing and herding, and producers say labor shortages would shrink supply and raise costs. The warning adds to consumer concerns about food inflation in the United States.

Wildlife managers in south-central Montana report that conflicts between bears and people have reached levels never seen before in the region. The rise in encounters is drawing attention to how residents, ranchers and landowners cope with bears moving into populated areas, and wildlife authorities are expected to respond with increased management efforts.

A wild screwworm fly has been found in Texas, the first detection there since the current outbreak began. The parasitic fly, whose larvae infest the wounds of warm-blooded animals, poses a serious threat to livestock and wildlife. The discovery will raise concern among ranchers and agricultural officials monitoring the pest's northward spread from Mexico.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has directed staff to begin drafting a formal predator management policy, a step that would shape how the state handles species such as wolves, mountain lions and bears. The move was reported by the Flathead Beacon and is likely to draw input from hunters, ranchers and conservation groups as the policy takes shape.

A federal judge has blocked efforts to remove bison from public lands in Montana, halting planned removal actions that would have affected wild bison herds on those lands. The ruling is significant for wildlife advocates who have long pushed to protect bison in the state, while also drawing attention from ranchers and land managers concerned about bison management.

Scientists are urging that funding for the USDA Climate Hubs be extended. The regional hubs help farmers, ranchers and land managers adapt to climate change by translating research into practical guidance. Supporters argue the network delivers value on the ground and should not lapse, though details of the funding request and the response from policymakers remain unclear.