(NAFB.com) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the American Sheep Industry Association, and Public Lands Council are congratulating former New Mexico Congressman Steve Pearce following his Senate confirmation as Director of the Bureau of Land Management. The livestock organizations said they strongly supported Pearce’s nomination, arguing that ranchers need permanent leadership at the BLM to help manage grazing permits and federal land operations more efficiently. NCBA President Gene Copenhaver said Pearce is well-positioned to strengthen partnerships with ranchers who manage millions of acres of rangeland and pasture across the West. ASI President Ben Lehfeldt said the sheep industry looks forward to working with Pearce in the months ahead. PLC President Tim Canturbury said Pearce has long supported the multiple-use mandate guiding federal land policy and understands the role ranchers play in conservation efforts on public lands. Industry groups said they expect Pearce’s leadership to help advance policies supporting grazing access, voluntary conservation work, and more efficient management of federal lands used by western livestock producers.