Ag Retailers Back Transportation Bill Focused on Supply Chains

Richard Gupton says reliable roads, bridges and rail systems remain essential for ag retailers and the broader farm supply chain.

ARLINGTON, Va. (RFD News) — A bipartisan surface transportation bill moving through Congress is drawing support from agricultural retailers who say reliable infrastructure remains essential to the farm supply chain.

The Build America 250 Act recently passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and includes investments tied to roads, bridges, railways and freight movement.

Richard Gupton with the Agricultural Retailers Association joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss what the legislation could mean for agriculture and ag retailers.

In his conversation with RFD News, Gupton broke down several key parts of the bill and why transportation infrastructure remains critical for moving fertilizer, crop protection products, and other farm supplies efficiently across the country.

The discussion also focused on language requiring the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to review differences in how states enforce the seasonal agricultural CDL program and how those regulations impact the industry.

Gupton additionally shared his outlook on the legislation as it continues moving through Congress.

Related Stories
Soybean oil is already feeling the pressure.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visits Arizona cotton producers as rising fuel, fertilizer, and fuel and fertilizer costs continue to pressure farm margins.
ASFMRA’s Howard Halderman says several economic and policy issues are continuing to influence the farmland market.
Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas joins us to discuss the Food for Peace program’s Kansas roots, its place in the Farm Bill, and the importance of the USDA’s visit to the state.
While a ceasefire remains in place, overnight missile attacks are raising questions about its stability.
Applications are open through July 27, 2026, on Grants.gov.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The update comes as congressional leaders continue working toward passage of a new Farm Bill.
Rising input costs continue weighing on producer outlooks despite stronger expectations for land values.
Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says the proposal would allow retailers to decide whether they want to offer E15 year-round.
The award recognizes wheat varieties that deliver strong results throughout the milling and baking process
Allendale analysts say lower hog production has yet to generate the typical seasonal price movement.
The National Milk Producers Federation says AI adoption continues expanding both inside and outside the barn.