The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association just announced that they are backing a new bill to help livestock haulers.
The HELP Act, introduced by Colorado Congressman Jeff Hurd, would make permanent the exemptions granted during the pandemic, giving livestock drivers more flexibility around hours of service and electronic loading devices.
NCBA says that kind of flexibility is critical when transporting live animals, especially in rural areas or extreme conditions where unloading mid-trip is not an option.
The group is urging Congress to pass the bill.
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NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
The USDA’s latest Hogs and Pigs Report caught some analysts off guard. Inventories came in lower than expected, signaling tighter supplies ahead, even as producers return to profitability this year.
The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
Expect firm calf and fed-cattle prices — pair selective heifer retention with prudent hedging and liquidity to bridge rebuilding costs.
