Restrictions dropped for shipping round hay to Texas drought regions

In response to a letter from Texas Farm Bureau President Kenneth Dierschke, Gov. Rick Perry issued an executive order Feb. 14 that suspended the permitting requirements and legal height restriction for round hay bales - along with associated permit fees - for carriers transporting round bales of hay to areas affected by drought and wildfire.

Hay supplies are short due to drought and wildfire, and ranchers statewide have been scrambling to find enough forage to feed their cattle. There have been instances where trucks loaded with large round hay bales destined for disaster areas were detained by law enforcement agencies for over-height loads. Some of those trucks have been forced to unload a portion of their cargo on the road side before being allowed to continue the delivery.

“The governor's action gives hay haulers a chance to bring in much-needed forage to our cowherds without interference,” Dierschke said. “Ranchers appreciate Gov. Perry's quick correction of this problem.”

“To ensure the safety of the traveling public,” Gov. Perry directed carriers with loads exceeding 14 feet in height to contact the Texas Department of Transporta-tion's Motor Carrier Division to receive expedited routing. All other legal requirements, including licensing, registration, insurance and safety, remain in place.

Unless otherwise extended by Gov. Perry, the waiver expires April 30.