Bennet, Ricketts, Heinrich, Fischer Introduce FENCE Act to Support Colorado Farmers and Ranchers

Jun 17, 2026 | Press Releases

Denver - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, Natural Resources, and Biotechnology, and Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced the Fencing Eligibility for New Conservation Equipment (FENCE) Act. The legislation would authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to include virtual fencing as another option for farmers and ranchers under the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP). Including virtual fencing in this program would provide American farmers and ranchers with greater flexibility to repair and restore farmland affected by natural disasters.

"Colorado ranchers have endured years of challenges, particularly as drought and wildfires grow more frequent across the West," said Bennet. "We need to give farmers and ranchers the tools to navigate changing conditions, adopt new technologies, and build resilient operations. This bill provides the flexibility ranchers need to recover in ways that work best for them."

"Nebraska's ranchers are the best in the world. They've shown it this year in response to this spring's devastating fires across our state," said Ricketts. "Ranchers recently shared with me that one-size-fits-all policies are hindering their ability to rebuild. The FENCE Act encourages USDA to continue finding new ways to support Nebraska's recovery efforts."

"As a kid, I helped repair fences on our small calf-cow operation, and I know exactly how time consuming it is. As a sportsman, I've also seen how built infrastructure can dramatically alter wildlife migration corridors," said Heinrich. "My FENCE Act ensures producers in New Mexico and across the country can access federal funding for virtual fencing technology, helping them manage livestock more efficiently while also restoring the landscapes wildlife rely on."

"When the Senate passed my Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act in March, I said that flexibility is my top priority in improving disaster assistance," said Fischer. "The FENCE Act is no different. This legislation opens the door for producers to use new technology, like virtual fencing, to replace their damaged or lost fence lines after disasters strike. This would be a great opportunity for farmers and ranchers to seize if it makes sense for their operation."

The FENCE Act would unlock virtual fencing, as well as other new or emerging technologies, as another tool for farmers and ranchers under the ECP, as long as it does not increase the cost to repair or replace current permanent structure fencing. Virtual fencing technology is useful for grazing and land management as it allows for controlled cattle placement through GPS-enabled collars that deliver audio cues and electrical pulses. Colorado farmers and ranchers have highlighted the need for greater flexibility in recovering and rebuilding resources.

Bennet has consistently worked to secure resources and support for Colorado's farmers and ranchers. In the ongoing 2026 Farm Bill negotiations, he is fighting for provisions that address the western water crisis, ensure USDA programs work for Colorado and the West, invest in forests and watershed health, address climate change and deploy clean energy, and fight for families and strengthen local and regional food systems. To date, he has led or co-led the introduction of 19 bills for potential inclusion in the Farm Bill, including 15 bipartisan measures, and cosponsored numerous other Farm Bill-related proposals.

The text of the bill is available HERE.

###