It turns out the Omnibus Spending Bill in Washington DC had some decent provisions in it for Ranchers as well as Farmers.

Allison Cooke is with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and explains one of the big provisions had to do with the ELD delay for livestock haulers across the country.

ELD/HOS Enforcement Delay for Livestock and Insect Haulers.

The spending bill includes language in Division L, Section 132 prohibiting funding being used by DOT for enforcing the FMCSA regulations related to electronic logging devices for livestock and insect haulers through September 30, 2018. “Livestock” in this context is defined as “cattle, elk, reindeer, bison, horses, deer, sheep, goats,swine, poultry (including egg-producing poultry),fish used for food, and other animals designated by the Secretary that are part of a foundation herd or offspring or are purchased as part of a normal operation.”

Elimination of SAM/DUNS Requirements.

The bill includes language that exempts farmers and ranchers from the System for Award Management “SAM” and Data Universal Numbering System “DUNS” reporting requirements when enrolling in conservation programs with USDA. Prior to this bill, farmers and ranchers were required to obtain a SAM registration and a DUNS number before they could apply.