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Bipartisan infrastructure bill delivers win for livestock haulers

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says livestock haulers had a big win in the infrastructure package that passed the U.S. House late last week.

Allison Rivera, executive director of government affairs, with NCBA says the inclusion of the 150 air-mile exemption for livestock haulers provides much-needed flexibility.  “That provides for extra time if there is a backup of trucks, let’s say at a packing facility or a feedlot,” she says.  “And there needs to be extra time for offloading or time to continue to move for airflow for those cattle.”

She tells Brownfield it allows drivers to maintain a high level of safety on the road and protects animal welfare.  “Someone who is hauling a load of very important toilet paper or paper towels does not need it, because they are not hauling a live animal in the back,” she says. 

Rivera says just because the bill is headed to the President’s desk for signature, doesn’t mean the work is over.  “It’s very important that we continue the conversation on implementation of this funding, of these programs, and of this ag exemption,” she says.  “We will continue to work to make sure that everyone is aware of this exemption and as our haulers are using it, we don’t have any issues or concerns.”

The bill also includes historic investments in rural roads and bridges and increased access to high-speed internet.  Rivera says those are needed for America’s farmers and ranchers to produce a safe and abundant food supply. 

AUDIO: Allison Rivera, NCBA