Montana Governor lifts hauling restrictions

In light of “the effects of the severe winter” and ongoing need to transport hay to livestock, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock signed Executive Order 7-2018 on March 28. The order lifts certain hauling restrictions in the case of trucks hauling hay to livestock. Under the order, trucks can be up to 20 percent overloaded compared to usual state requirements (provided the truck, trailer, tires, etc. are rated for such weight), and oversized hay loads can travel at night. This provision will extend to April 28. “With the severe weather over the past few months, many ranchers are needing to purchase additional hay to feed their livestock,” noted Montana Farm Bureau President Hans McPherson in a press release. “We had excessive snow that has melted, which has resulted in unbelievable mud. During daylight hours, there is too much mud to haul hay to feed yards on ranches, so this [executive order] will be a huge help to bring hay loads in while the ground is still frozen.” — WLJ