USDA and the Interior Department have announced farmers and ranchers who implement Farm Service Agency Conservation Reserve practices to protect the lesser prairie chicken populations won’t be subject to additional regulations. The lesser prairie chicken is listed as an Endangered Species. South Dakota Cattlemen’s President Cory Eich has concerns that government regulators are moving in that direction.

Eich says not only are Endangered Species a concern but over reaching federal regulations from EPA bother his group. He says South Dakota Cattlemen are opposing EPA’s proposed Waters of the U.S.rule and joining over 200 Congressmen who want it withdrawn.

EPA is taking public comment now on their proposed rule while the final rule for listing the lesser prairie chicken as threatened will be effective May 12.