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Wolf and deer depredation legislative priorities for Minnesota Cattlemen

Wolf and deer depredation are legislative priorities for the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association in 2025.

President Jake Thompson says they’ve been telling state lawmakers about damage from deer and elk for two years.

“We’re going to still work really hard towards that, try to get that problem corrected (and) get some help for our producers throughout the state.”

He says deer and elk trample and eat forages while contaminating feed.

Executive director Kaitlyn Root tells Brownfield wolves continue to prey on livestock.

“Producers are definitely very fed up with the wolf situation in Minnesota right now, numbers continue to rise. Minnesota Department of Ag doesn’t always have all of the funds to reimburse producers right away, so it’s a continued struggle there.”

Root says the association is hopeful the incoming administration will delist the grey wolf from the Endangered Species Act.

Kaitlyn Root interview:

Jake Thompson interview: