Common Sense Fix for Agriculture

Missouri farmers are working tirelessly through this hot drought just hoping to have a harvest this fall. But no matter the weather each year, the job of planting and of harvesting always takes a lot of time and effort. That's why we need to keep Washington from passing rules that make it more difficult.

Fellow farmer, Blaine Luetkemeyer, and I have been working to bring some common sense to the rules restricting delivery of farm supplies. A couple years ago, we were able to secure a federal waiver that ensured a timely delivery of fertilizer for planting season. It was a victory for hard-working farm families throughout Missouri.

But we saw the need to go a step further and make sure bureaucrats do not misinterpret the rule. Currently, under the Agriculture Hours of Service (AgHOS) exemption, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration only allows for the transportation of a single farm supply – anhydrous ammonia – from any distribution point to a local farm retailer or to the ultimate consumer.

While anhydrous ammonia is perhaps the most widely used farm supply to be transported under the AgHOS regulations, many other critical farm supplies have been excluded because of the agency's interpretation.

I'm happy to report that, last month, we successfully included a clarification in the highway bill to address those restrictions. This allows farmers more wiggle room when it comes to what can be transported and allows our farmers the flexibility they need during planting and harvesting seasons.

You can count on me to keep fighting for Missouri farmers.

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