Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner is expected to declare a harvest season emergency. Today’s (Friday) announcement will allow farmers to apply to the Illinois Department of Transportation to receive a free permit to haul 10 percent over their gross vehicle weight and axle weight limits on state highways.

Local road authorities will also have the ability to grant a similar permit or waive the permit requirement on roads in their jurisdictions.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert said “We appreciate Gov. Rauner declaring an emergency situation for the 2018 harvest season, especially in light of the declining incomes and market turmoil which farmers are currently facing.”

“This declaration opens the door for increased efficiencies for farmers and truck drivers hauling agricultural commodities and will help offset any uncontrollable effects of weather and commodity markets, allowing farmers the freedom to move what is projected to be a record-breaking crop.”

94.1 WGFA