The Link

11/2/2012
IOWA CORN GROWERS ASSN.

Harvest Weight Limit Extension for 15 More Days

(JOHNSTON) - The Iowa Corn Growers Association is happy to report that a request to extend the Harvest Weight Proclamation for farmers has been granted by Gov. Branstad. The extension starts November 3 and runs for 15 days. The proclamation specifically increases the weight allowable for shipment of corn, soybeans, hay, straw and stover, by 12.5% per axle (up to a maximum of 90,000 pounds) without the need for an oversize/overweight permit.

"We thank the Governor for recognizing the need to move quickly during harvest and this extension will help those who are still bringing in the 2012 corn crop. We also understand that the harvest weight proclamation is not a right by law, but a petition to the Governor," said Bruce Rohwer, a farmer from Northwest Iowa and president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA). "We sincerely thank the Governor for understanding the need for action."

The 2011 proclamation again applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system. Trucks cannot exceed the truck's regular maximum by more than 12.5% per axle and must obey the posted limits on all roads and bridges. The Iowa Department of Transportation is directed to monitor the operation of this proclamation to assure the public's safety and facilitate the movement of the trucks involved.

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The Iowa Corn Growers Association is a membership organization, lobbying on agricultural issues on behalf of its over 7,000 farmer members.

(CONTACT: Mindy Larsen Poldberg, Director of Government Relations, 515-225-9242)