Lummis, Luján Declare 2026 as ‘International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists’

March 17, 2026

Washington, D.C.-Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) today joined Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) in introducing a bipartisan resolution declaring 2026 as the "International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists," to celebrate our nation's stewards of land.

"America's pastoralists manage, conserve, and protect more than 700 million acres of land across our nation," said Lummis. "These ranchers keep our domestic food supply secure and rural communities strong, raising the beef, lamb, and livestock that feed America. The quiet work of our nation's pastoralists deserves to be commended, and I am proud to lead this recognition alongside Senator Luján."

"I'm proud to partner with Senator Lummis to recognize the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. Rangelands make up a vast majority of New Mexico and are critical to our economy, culture, and way of life," said Luján. "Our ranchers and pastoralists care for these lands with generations of knowledge and practices that strengthen food security, support rural communities, and reduce wildfire risk. This resolution recognizes their essential role and encourages continued research and education to sustain our rangelands for future generations."

"The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists honors the unsung work of those who manage, study, cultivate, and protect millions of acres of America's treasured landscapes. Pastoral management of livestock is alive and well across the country, as grazing animals are carefully managed to provide food and fiber from resilient ecosystems. From rancher to researcher, rangeland conservationist to shepherd, everyone does their part and PLC thanks all of those who are part of this special culture on grasslands and rangelands around the globe," said Kaitlynn Glover, NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director.

"The Society for Range Management (SRM) applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Senate resolution recognizing 2026 as the "International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists." Rangelands cover nearly one-third of the United States, providing food and fiber, wildlife habitat, water resources, carbon storage, recreation, and energy, while anchoring rural economies and cultures. Pastoralists and ranchers play a critical role as land stewards, applying generational knowledge and science-based grazing to sustain healthy, resilient rangeland ecosystems. By formally recognizing 2026, the Senate resolution underscores the economic, social, and ecological importance of these lands and the people who manage them, and encourages expanded education, research, and outreach on sustainable rangeland management. From the early stages, SRM is proud to have helped champion this effort, working with partners, agencies, and congressional offices to support both the United Nations designation and complementary recognition in the United States. We thank Senators Lummis and Luján for their leadership and look forward to collaborating with Congress, agencies, land managers, producers, scientists, and local communities to make 2026 a catalyst for long-term investment in resilient rangelands and thriving pastoral communities." - Society for Range Management

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Mike Rounds (R-SD) are co-sponsors of the resolution.

Background:

- This resolution highlights the importance of U.S. rangelands, which cover about 770 million acres, roughly 36% of U.S. land, supporting biodiversity, wildlife habitat, water resources, carbon storage, recreation, and energy production.

- Rangelands are essential for domestic production of beef, lamb, wool, hides, and other livestock products, with significant use of federal grazing land.

- Pastoralists and ranchers are key land stewards who use generational knowledge, science-based management, and adaptive grazing practices to promote ecological resilience and reduce wildlife risks.

- The United Nations designated 2026 as "International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists."

Click here to read the full resolution.

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