Southeast Iowa farmers have an alternative way to feed their livestock thanks to a special proclamation.  Governor Terry Branstad is allowing farmers to harvest grass in state highway rights of way to help combat the drought.  During certain times of the year as set by the Department of Transportation, farmers are allowed to legally mow and bale grass from those areas.

County Engineer Jacob Thorius says this rule does not apply to county roads, but farmers wishing to mow in the ditches need to contact his office.

Farmers wanting to mow along state highways need to have a permit that must be granted by the DOT before mowing.  The mowing should only be done between the 30 minutes after sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset.

More information can be found here.

Tags: ,