Harvesting of hay in state highway ditches allowed

07-25-2012 in Livestock

Farmers are encouraged to harvest grass in the state highway right of way as a way to help combat this summer’s drought.

“Under the hot and dry conditions that the state is and has been experiencing, farmers are searching for alternative ways to feed their livestock. Harvesting grass along the side of state roads is an efficient and economical mean for farmers to maintain their livestock levels,” said Governor Branstad.

Farmers are allowed to legally mow and bale grass on highway right of ways only during certain periods of the year as established by the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Persons interested must have a permit, granted by the Iowa DOT, before mowing. The permit form can be found here. All work should be performed between 30 minutes after sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset.

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