By Scout Nelson
Governor Larry Rhoden signed Executive Order 2026-11 to provide additional flexibility for South Dakota farmers during the harvest season. The order addresses transportation and fuel concerns as farmers deal with high diesel prices while moving crops, livestock, and other agricultural commodities.
The executive order provides several changes designed to help farmers reduce transportation challenges during harvest. It allows farmers to haul certain agricultural commodities at 10% above regular weight restrictions. This change can help farmers move more products with fewer trips, which may reduce the amount of fuel needed for transportation.
The order applies to crops, livestock, and other agricultural commodities. However, the flexibility has limits. Haulers still cannot exceed the posted weight limit of a bridge or 20,000 pounds per axle. These limits remain in place to protect bridges and support safe transportation.
"Diesel prices are far too high, and that has an impact on our farmers, especially during harvest. These actions should provide them some relief while they get their crop to market to feed us all,” said Governor Rhoden.
The executive order also suspends a $25 overweight trip permit. Under the order, farmers can use the new weight flexibility without paying this specific permit fee. The change is intended to make it easier for farmers to move agricultural products during a period when transportation needs are high.
Harvest is one of the busiest times of the year for farmers. Crops must be moved from fields to grain elevators, storage facilities, livestock operations, processing locations, and other destinations. Farmers also depend on trucks and other equipment to keep harvest activities moving. Changes that reduce the number of trips or transportation costs can provide additional flexibility during this period.
The order also addresses the possibility of a future shortage of dyed diesel. Dyed diesel is commonly used for agricultural and other off-road purposes. The Department of Revenue is directed to monitor fuel supplies and determine whether a tax refund to suppliers is warranted if regular diesel must be used in farm machinery because of a shortage.
This provision does not create a current diesel shortage. Instead, it gives state officials a process to monitor fuel supplies and consider action if conditions change.
“All options are on the table. We’re taking a serious look at what Washington is doing, as well as other states,” continued Governor Rhoden. “I’m a constitutional conservative, and I act within my authority – so we want to make sure we’re on firm footing before taking further action.”
The federal government had already issued an hours-of-service waiver for 90 days for fuel haulers. The waiver provided additional flexibility in the fuel supply chain, so a separate state action from Governor Rhoden was not needed for that issue.
The new South Dakota order focuses on areas where the state can provide additional flexibility for agricultural transportation and fuel use.
For farmers, the main changes include the 10% weight allowance for agricultural commodities, suspension of the $25 overweight trip permit, and monitoring of fuel supplies. These measures are intended to help producers manage transportation and fuel challenges during harvest.
The executive order does not remove all transportation limits. Farmers and haulers must continue to follow bridge weight limits and the 20,000-pound-per-axle restriction. These requirements remain important for transportation safety and infrastructure protection.
Harvest creates a high demand for farm equipment, trucks, fuel, storage, and other services. Farmers often need to move large amounts of grain and other products in a short period. By providing additional transportation flexibility, South Dakota is giving producers more options as they complete harvest work.
The order comes as farmers continue managing higher operating costs and other challenges during the harvest season. Its provisions are focused on transportation and fuel flexibility rather than changes to crop production or farm programs.
Photo Credit: getty-images-pixelift
Categories: South Dakota, Energy, Government & Policy, Harvesting