Iowa governor signs Harvest Weight Proclamation to allow overweight loads

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Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad recently signed a proclamation called the Harvest Weight Proclamation. This proclamation allows for road transport of overweight loads of soybeans, corn and other items.

“I am pleased today to sign this proclamation to allow Iowa farmers to move their crop yields in an effective and efficient manner,” Branstad said. “Iowa’s farmers are a critical component of Iowa’s economy, and this proclamation will ensure they’re able to transport their crop ahead of deteriorating weather conditions.”

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds echoed Branstad's sentiments. “Governor Branstad and I continue to look for ways in which government can assist Iowans, and today’s harvest-weight proclamation is another way we’re able to ensure producers can get their yield out of the fields and to market."

This proclamation allows vehicles transporting soybeans, corn, hay, straw, silage and stover to be overweight, but not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight, without a permit, but only for the duration of this proclamation, which runs through Nov. 23. This action is intended to allow loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system, and those that do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the nonprimary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code §321.463(5) (b) by more than 12.5 percent, do not exceed the legal maximum-axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.