By Scout Nelson
South Dakota is taking additional steps to support livestock producers as drought conditions continue to affect farms and ranches across the state. Governor Larry Rhoden has signed Executive Order 2026-08, providing temporary transportation flexibility to help farmers and ranchers move hay more efficiently during the ongoing drought emergency.
The executive order responds to dry conditions affecting nearly 83% of South Dakota, where many areas are experiencing abnormally dry, moderate, or severe drought. Reduced pasture growth and limited forage supplies have created major challenges for livestock operations, increasing the need for hay transportation across the state.
“South Dakota's ranchers have always weathered difficult seasons with grit and determination,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “These dry conditions have certainly posed great challenges for our producers, and this Executive Order will ease some of the burden. My administration will continue to support them as they work hard to feed our state and nation.”
The order expands the hours during which oversized hay loads may travel. Normally, hay can only be transported from a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset. Under the new order, permitted hay haulers may travel from 2 hours before sunrise until 2 hours after sunset, provided they follow all required safety measures.
The executive order also temporarily expands the exemption from Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements. Producers may now transport feed anywhere within South Dakota without a CDL, rather than being limited to the normal 150-mile exemption.
Oversized hay loads must still obtain permits, display warning lights, and use reflectorized or lighted oversized load signs on both the front and rear of the vehicle. Loads must also remain within legal weight limits. Free permits are available through the South Dakota Highway Patrol Permitting Office.
Earlier this year, Governor Rhoden activated the South Dakota Drought Task Force, which continues monitoring drought conditions and recommending emergency actions. The task force supported these transportation waivers during its latest meeting.
Additional resources remain available through South Dakota State University (SDSU). Producers can use the university’s Feed and Forage Finder Facebook group to locate hay supplies and access free forage testing for nitrate levels. These services help producers safely manage feed resources while drought conditions continue throughout South Dakota. You can find more information about those services here.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Hay & Forage, Government & Policy, Livestock, Weather