ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton
today issued Executive Order 17-05 lifting road and vehicle restrictions for Minnesota farmers helping ranchers and farmers in North Dakota and South Dakota affected by drought. Governor Dayton’s Executive Order will be in effect through Monday, August 14, 2017.
The Governors of North Dakota and South Dakota have declared emergencies due to extreme drought conditions in their regions. These conditions have caused a shortage of forage in both states, requiring assistance from Minnesota farmers.
Because of these drought conditions, Minnesota ranchers and farmers are eager to donate hay to ranchers in North Dakota and South Dakota to alleviate livestock losses. Governor Dayton’s Executive Order will ease restrictions for loads of hay ready to move out of Minnesota, and allow for more aide in the days to come.
The Executive Order will:
- Lift size and weight restrictions for drivers of motor vehicles providing direct emergency relief;
- Suspend a required permit needed transport oversized and overweight loads of hay and other forage; and
- Suspend a required permit on vehicles hauling such loads.
The Executive Order will also allow drivers delivering hay from other states to easily pass through Minnesota and on to the states affected by the drought.
If Minnesota farmers would like to donate hay or make a monetary donation to farmers and ranchers in North Dakota and South Dakota, they can contact the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association at 612-618-6619 or go to www.mnsca.org/resources.
