Reynolds extends harvest proclamation

DES MOINES — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed off on an extension of harvest-season weight limits Tuesday for vehicles transporting grain, fertilizer and manure, according to a news release from the state.

The proclamation effectively sets weight limit of many ag transport vehicles at 90,000 lbs. on state highways until it expires Dec. 22. Still, such loads remain subject to other state and local rules.

“This proclamation applies to loads … (which) do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code … 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,” a news release from the governor’s office said.

The move comes after the USDA said Iowa’s corn and soy harvests were “virtually complete” in its Nov. 21 and Nov. 7 crop progress reports, respectively, where the federal agency said 97% of the products were harvested.

Still, the Nov. 21 report said remaining work for this year lagged slightly behind due to last week’s snow and low temperatures, factors that “limited additional fieldwork to applying soil amendments such as anhydrous, manure and lime.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com