Ag News: Hours Extended for Long Haul Drivers

**The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration approved an extension of the exemption from hours-of-service requirements for livestock haulers through the end of November.

According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the announcement will allow livestock haulers flexibility to promote the well-being of livestock during hauls, and to keep grocery stores stocked.

Livestock haulers have been operating under an HOS exemption since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and maintaining a strong safety record.

**Families in Louisiana affected by Hurricane Ida are now able to receive food packages containing USDA Foods, nutritious, high-quality foods 100% grown and produced on farms in the U.S.

USDA approved the short-term measure to address an immediate need for food until a longer-term solution is ready.

Last week, USDA also approved a waiver to allow participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to purchase hot foods with their benefits through September 28th.

**Farmers and ranchers are working with lawmakers in hopes of passing legislation to fund repairs and upgrades to California’s water conveyance system.

Senate Bill 559, from Democratic Senator Melissa Hurtado of Sanger, would pay for more than $300 million in repairs on the Friant-Kern Canal, the California Aqueduct and the Delta-Mendota Canal in the Central Valley.

The California Farm Bureau supports these improvements.