The first Western Landowners Policy Talk, hosted by Louis Wertz, editor-in-chief of On Land and communications director of the Western Landowners Alliance, featured Jason Fearneyhough, WLA’s chief policy officer, and WLA’s CEO, Lesli Allison. Jason joined WLA as chief policy officer in February 2024, after stints as the deputy commissioner of agriculture for the state of Texas and director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. The discussion started with Jason sharing his vision for WLA’s policy program and strategies for engaging within the current political and environmental challenges, such as recent Supreme Court decisions, national elections, and natural resource challenges. Lesli and Jason went on to share thoughts on federal farm bill modifications, drought and water policy, endangered species like pollinators, wolves and grizzly bears, and various state-level initiatives like New Mexico’s Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund. The conversation also highlighted ongoing work to support ranch viability, succession planning, and public-private partnerships for conservation, alongside dealing with increased recreational impacts, forest management, and energy development.

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Topics Discussed

00:51 Meet Jason Fearneyhough: Background and Experience
02:24 Lesli Allison Joins the Conversation
02:58 Current Political Climate and Policy Challenges
06:41 Flexibility with Accountability in Grazing
12:24 Federal Farm Bill and Conservation Efforts
20:29 Water Management in the West
29:23 Addressing Wildlife Policy and Endangered Species
37:57 Predator Management and Conflict Reduction
43:51 State Trust Funds and Economic Viability
48:14 Key Issues from Landowners: Economics, Succession, and More
51:36 Conclusion and Audience Engagement