Montana Temporarily Suspends Hay Transport Rules

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte issued an executive order on August 31 temporarily suspending certain hours-of-service regulations and other vehicle restrictions for carriers transporting hay.

The order is intended to facilitate hay deliveries to Montana farmers and ranchers as a persistent, multiyear drought continues to affect forage production and hay supplies needed for livestock operations.

The suspension allows certain carriers to transport greater volumes of hay over a shorter timeframe as producers prepare for the winter months.

“With the persistent drought, it was essential that we eliminate any roadblocks that threaten the viability of our producers and their operations,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Through this executive order, we will ease motor vehicle restrictions to help producers get hay where they need it to go, including certain weight and other vehicle restrictions that would otherwise limit the size of their loads.”

Temporary Transportation Changes

The executive order temporarily lifts hours of service requirements for certain hay carriers. It also includes certain weight and other vehicle restrictions that could otherwise limit load sizes.

“When our producers are facing tight supplies and economic pressures, they do not need to also battle regulatory provisions that can slow down the essential movement of feed,” said Montana Department of Agriculture Director Jillien Streit. “I appreciate Governor Gianforte lifting service requirements around hay delivery ensuring that our farmers and ranchers can do more with their precious time as it can be a bottleneck in volatile times like these.”

The authority for the order comes under Title 10 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), which allows the governor to suspend provisions of regulatory statutes, agency rules, requirements, or standards when strict compliance would prevent necessary action during an emergency.

The order took effect August 31, 2026, and remained in effect through September 13, 2026.

The temporary changes apply as Montana producers manage hay supplies affected by ongoing drought conditions and prepare for winter livestock needs.