R-CALF USA

R-CALF USA Applauds Dismissal of Charges Against SD Ranchers Charles and Heather Maude

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 29, 2025 — R-CALF USA, the nation’s largest producer-only cattle association, commends the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Justice for dropping all criminal charges against South Dakota ranchers Charles and Heather Maude.

The Maudes were indicted separately in June 2024 over a disputed 25-acre grazing allotment managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Each faced up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. On Monday, Federal Judge Camela Theeler signed an order dismissing the indictments against the couple.

“The charges raised grave concerns about property rights, government accountability, and the weaponization of federal authority,” said R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair Shad Sullivan.  From the beginning, R-CALF USA stood by the Maude family and condemned the federal government’s overreach in pursuing criminal charges over a matter that should have been handled civilly.

“I am ecstatic and grateful to Secretary Rollins for her pursuit of justice in overseeing the dismissal of federal charges against the Maude family who faced a nightmare battle against the United States Forest Service,” said Sullivan. “With the help of Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., a win came to the American people and American agriculture in the pursuit of liberty!”

“We’re pleased the Trump administration saw this for what it was – an unreasonable and unnecessary enforcement action against upstanding ranchers,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard. “We hope the Maudes are able to recover from this costly and demeaning episode and that their perseverance marks a turning point after which our government becomes more respectful and responsive to the rights of U.S. ranchers everywhere.”

Source: R-CALF USA Marketing Director Jaiden Moreland