Rotational grazing pilot fails to secure majority in committee and is laid over after tie

Representative Nelson introduced House File 4388, a rotational grazing pilot program intended to support design and cost‑share for farms adopting rotational grazing systems to improve soil health and resilience.

Farmers and farm advocates testified in support. Hannah Bernhardt (speaker 26), who runs Medicine Creek Farm, described how rotational grazing benefits soil, water quality and animal welfare and said cost‑share grants would help with fencing, water systems and initial investments. Hunter Peterson (speaker 25), public policy specialist at the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, voiced organizational support and noted partnerships with other groups.

Members discussed funding sources and whether the project should be funded from the environmental trust (LCCMR) or other ag funds; Representative Hansen expressed concern about taking constitutionally dedicated environmental trust dollars for a statutory appropriation in this committee.

A division vote was called; the clerk recorded seven ayes and seven nays. Chair announced the motion did not prevail and the bill was laid over for future consideration.