Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued Emergency Executive Order 20-24 Friday afternoon in an effort to provide hours of service and weight restriction relief for commercial vehicle drivers hauling livestock throughout the state in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Strict enforcement of certain hours of service and weight restriction regulations would prevent or hinder the efficient transportation of livestock,” the governor wrote. “The continued and efficient movement of livestock is vital to the health and safety of Minnesotans.”

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association appreciates the governor’s swift and decisive action. Earlier in the week, MSGA President Jamie Beyer sent a formal request to the governor imploring him to designate agriculture as an essential service during the “shelter-in-place” order.

“We are extremely grateful to the governor for issuing Executive Order 20-24 during this unprecedented time,” Beyer said. “As farmers and livestock producers gear up for spring planting, our work feeding and fueling Minnesota continues. The governor easing weight restrictions will certainly bring relief to our agriculture community during this pandemic.”

Executive Order 20-24 provides hours of service and weight restriction relief for commercial vehicle drivers hauling livestock. The Order will help ensure producers and retailers maintain supply of essential products.

The governor also issued executive orders aimed at providing relief toward health care providers, local governments, and constitutional officers in the wake of the pandemic.