Governor Steve Bullock signed an executive order on Oct. 28, 2020, allowing increased weight limitations on transportation vehicles in order to protect sugarbeet farmers in Montana.
“Record-setting cold temperatures and early winter storms have limited the harvesting season for Montana’s farmers and workers,” Bullock said. “Montana producers have already overcome many challenges due to the pandemic. Today’s order ensures farmers can harvest their crops in time and avoid unnecessary losses.”
A cold snap and early winter storm conditions are impacting current harvest operations for Montana beet producers. The executive order allows a temporary increase in gross vehicle weight tolerance for sugarbeet farm vehicles from 20 percent for each axle to 30 percent during this harvest season, effective through Nov. 30, 2020.
Montana producers face potential losses if their crops remain unharvested due to unfavorable weather conditions. The executive order will allow these producers to move product in order to ensure a successful harvest.