Valentine Refuge to Open More Acres to Grazing

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is opening up added grazing opportunities for the upcoming spring and summer season through its cooperative agriculture program.

The available pasture units range from approximately 100 to 500 acres and are located on refuge property south of Valentine, Nebraska. Applications are currently being accepted from interested producers.

Immediately following the historic wildfires in Nebraska and loss of over 800,000 grazing acres, both state and federal leadership asked what resources and support were needed for impacted areas. Senator Storer, representing District #43, asked that more public lands be made available for grazing. The opening of these additional grazing units reflects that effort and provides timely support for Nebraska producers. These allotments would not have been made available without the work of Senator Pete Ricketts.

Applications must be submitted by May 22, 2026, and selected applicants will be notified by May 29, 2026.

Individuals seeking additional details or application materials will need to contact Refuge Manager Matt Sprenger at 402-389-2807 or by email at matt_sprenger@fws.gov.