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Nebraska farmers, ranchers get temporary tax and transportation relief

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is taking steps to provide economic relief for the state’s farmers and ranchers.

Speaking with reporters Thursday evening, he said he signed two executive orders that included suspending the state tax on diesel fuel for any ag transportation needs. “You don’t have to have the red diesel like you do in a tractor. You’ll be able to keep track of your receipts and then get a refund back for how much diesel and the tax back for the next 90 days.”

Pillen says he second measure involves lifting weight restrictions for trailers. “We are going to allow all livestock and grain trailers no matter what they’re hauling to stay in a technical on a 20,000 weight per axle. What that means is everybody can fill their trailers up and not worry about the weight.”

Southeast Nebraska farmer Doug Bartek says the relief comes at a critical time with harvest ramping up. “Is it the silver bullet? No, but any little bit will help.”

The executive orders went into effect on Thursday and last 90 days with the possibility of an extension.

Pillen also sent a letter to the President this week asking him to provide immediate relief by suspending diesel fuel exports.