Iowa Corn Growers Thank Governor Reynolds for Extending the Harvest Weight Proclamation

JOHNSTON, Iowa - November 14, 2017 - The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) thanks Governor Reynolds for extending the proclamation until December 1, 2017 granting a temporary weight limit exemption for trucks on Iowa roads. The 2017 Harvest Weight Proclamation specifically increases the weight allowable for shipment of corn, soybeans, hay, straw and stover, by 12.5 percent per axle (up to a maximum of 90,000 pounds) without the need for an oversize/overweight permit only during the duration of the proclamation.  "We extend our gratitude to the Governor for understanding the need to move quickly to finish harvest and this extension will help those who are still bringing in another large corn crop," said Mark Recker, a farmer from Arlington. "We understand that the harvest weight proclamation is not a right by law, but a petition to the Governor." Today's U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistical Service Crop Progress and Condition Report shows Iowa farmers have now begun to catch up from weather delays they experienced at the start of harvest. Currently, harvest progress stands just one week behind the five-year average with 85 percent of corn and 97 percent of beans harvested.  The 2017 proclamation again applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the federal interstate system. Trucks cannot exceed the truck's regular maximum by more than 12.5 percent per axle and must obey the posted limits on all roads and bridges. ICGA made the original 60-day proclamation request to Governor Reynolds in August and worked with the Governor's office to ensure the Proclamation moved forward to benefit Iowa's farmers. Last week, ICGA submitted an additional request for the extension due to the delayed harvest progress across the state. The proclamation directs the Iowa Department of Transportation to monitor the operation of the proclamation, assure the public's safety by facilitating the movement of the trucks involved. Farmers who are transporting grain are also required to follow their vehicle safety standards on axle weights. - 30 -