2011 Drought Forage Information
Continued severe drought in much of Kansas has significantly limited forage options for livestock producers. A hay and pasture exchange is available to help locate forage. Additionally, certain transportation regulations have been suspended to facilitate hauling hay to drought-stricken areas.
Hay and Pasture Exchanges
There is an online hay and pasture exchange in Kansas to better connect those who have hay and pasture with those who do not. People can list hay or pasture available or their hay or pasture needs on the exchange found at http://www.kfb.org/hayandpasture/default.htm. The exchange is not a broker but rather is set up to connect individual parties who communicate directly to negotiate acceptable hay prices or pasture rentals. The Hay and Pasture Exchange is a joint effort of Kansas Farm Bureau and Kansas State University Research and Extension. You do not have to be a Farm Bureau member to use the exchange.
Additionally, there is a similar hay and pasture exchange in Nebraska that can be used to list or locate forage. For more information, view http://www.agr.ne.gov/hayhot/hayhotline.htm.
Hay Transportation
Executive Order 11-25 temporarily suspends certain motor carrier rules and regulations in order expedite efforts to transport hay to livestock in drought-stricken areas. Executive Order 11-25, which applies only to individuals hauling hay to livestock in drought-stricken areas, temporarily suspends the requirements to receive over dimensional permits from the Kansas Department of Transportation, registration and fuel tax permits from the Kansas Department of Revenue and permits from the Kansas Corporation Commission. Participating motor carriers will be allowed to travel during nighttime hours if the over dimensional load is marked with clearance lights or escort vehicles are used.
Participating motor carriers are limited to a load that does not exceed 12 feet in width and does not exceed a height of 14 feet, six inches. Under normal circumstances, haulers are required to get a permit for loads exceeding 8½ feet in width and/or 14 feet in height. All other applicable state and federal regulations continue to apply, including the requirement of having a valid driver’s license.
EO 11-25 is in effect until it is rescinded or until drought emergency and disaster declarations are lifted.
