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DES MOINES, IOWA -- Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has signed a proclamation suspending state regulations and laws making it easier to transport hay, straw and stover to feed livestock.
The proclamation will allow people to transport loads of hay, straw and stover weighing up to 90,000 pounds on non-interstate highways without a state permit. Wide loads also can be moved without a permit as long as they don't exceed 12 feet, 5 inches in width.
Rules regulating hours of service for drivers hauling specific agricultural produces also are suspended.
The proclamation went into affect Thursday and will continue for 60 days.
The widespread drought has depleted supplies of hay and straw across the region.
Details about the rules are available online at www.iowa.dot.gov
(The Associated Press contributed to this story)