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.
Related Stories
Freight Softens as Producers Plan 2026 Budgets Nationwide
CoBank’s 2026 Year Ahead Report cites global grain oversupply, easing inflation, rate cuts, and major data center growth that could reshape rural America.
Plan for sharp, short-term volatility after unexpected outages; permanent closures rarely trigger major price spread disruptions.
Strong Farm Credit finances help cushion producers, but prolonged low crop margins could strain renewals in 2026.
Rising beef supplies and lower cattle prices, weaker hog markets, and softening dairy prices will shape producer margins heading into 2026.
Outdated reporting thresholds reduce cash-market visibility and increase the urgency of comprehensive Mandatory Price Reporting reform.