The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s Office and Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s Office now have a Commuter Agreement process established for cattle moving between the states for grazing land. Colorado has Commuter Agreements with New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas and Nebraska.

“These Commuter Agreements create flexibility for ranchers by allowing the livestock disease testing to take place during the normal production cycle instead of immediately prior to interstate movement. It’s also important to have a simple process for cattle to be able to travel to the most productive, nutritious grazing land,” said Colorado State Veterinarian Keith Roehr.

“Commuter agreements like these simplify the process of moving cattle across state borders,” said Nebraska State Veterinarian Dennis Hughes. “It gives cattle producers in Colorado and Nebraska more flexibility for cattle grazing while still being in full compliance with each state’s animal import requirements.”

The Nebraska/Colorado Commuter Agreement allows ease of movement only for cattle from breeding herds, including breeding bulls, cows and their calves. The animals being moved must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and a Brand Inspection Certificate issued prior to movement and a copy of the Commuter Cattle Agreement. All adult commuter cattle shall be officially identified with an approved eartag. Ranchers interested in a livestock commuter agreement can contact their state’s State Veterinarian’s Office. The forms should be turned in two weeks before the anticipated travel time.