OCA Livestock Producers Must Know Details Of WOTUS

In mid-August, a Federal District Court in South Carolina reinstated WOTUS for much of the U.S., including Washington, Oregon and California.  The ruling caught many in the Ag community by surprise, since the Trump Administration has worked so hard to table the Obama-era rule.  Jerome Rosa with the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association said the return of WOTUS is dangerous for farmers anytime in rains, or when the snow melts in the spring.

“Really, this could impact the way you, plow your fields, water puddles can be affected, it’s really ridiculous on the amount of scrutiny this entails.”

Rosa said whether you like the ruling or hate it, WOTUS has returned so ranchers need to know what the law says.  He noted a California rancher was recent hammered by WOTUS when he conducted field work.

“It was a field that had been in production previously, so it’s really disturbing when we start looking at what is the definition of a body of water in the United States and really its broad and it could have a tremendous impact if we don’t get this turned around.”

Rosa said growers with specific questions about WOTUS, what can, and what cannot be done, should contact their local Cattlemen’s association.

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