Adrian
\n\n\nCharges have been dropped against a South Dakota ranching family embroiled in a contentious 25-acre land dispute, which had escalated into criminal prosecution under the Biden administration last year. Federal officials confirmed the resolution on Wednesday, marking a significant turn of events for the family. \n\nCHARLES and HEATHER MAUDE, owners of the 400-acre Maude Hog and Cattle ranch, were cleared of all charges on Tuesday night. President Donald Trump’s Department of Agriculture (USDA), led by SECRETARY BROOKE ROLLINS, announced the decision during a press conference in Washington, D.C. Rollins emphasized that the family would no longer face criminal prosecution, stating, *”Thanks to the leadership and bold actions of President Trump, the Maudes can now move forward without fear of losing their home, facing imprisonment, or incurring fines.”*\n\nThe dispute began when the Biden administration’s U.S. Forest Service (USFS) accused the Maudes of illegally using federal grassland adjacent to their property for grazing. The couple, fifth-generation South Dakota ranchers, had reportedly held a grazing permit in good standing for decades. However, the USFS claimed they had blocked access to the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, prompting a criminal charge of theft of federal property. \n\nThe Maudes argued that their family had owned the land since 1910 and had always utilized it for agricultural purposes. The Biden administration, however, alleged that they had converted 25 acres of national grassland for personal use, leading to charges that could have resulted in 10 years of imprisonment and significant financial penalties.\n\nAt the press conference, HEATHER MAUDE expressed her gratitude, stating, *”We are incredibly thankful to the Trump administration and everyone who supported us during this ordeal. Our family has fought for freedom for generations, and we are relieved to see justice prevail.”* She also highlighted the challenges faced by ranchers across the country, urging continued support for agricultural communities.\n\nRollins pledged to address similar cases of government overreach, vowing, *”We will work tirelessly to ensure that no farmer or rancher is unjustly targeted for living the American way of life.”*\n\nThis case has drawn national attention, with critics accusing the Biden administration of overreach and mismanagement. The resolution comes as a significant victory for the Maudes and a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding land use and federal oversight in rural America.\n\nFor further details, visit the official USDA announcement here: [USDA News Release](#)\n\nSource Reported By: Tri-State Livestock News and USDA Press Conference.
