In an attempt to assist farmers and grain handlers who are dealing with the fallout of rain-related delays, Gov. Bruce Rauner declared a harvest emergency over the weekend.
The declaration permits drivers carrying agricultural commodities over state highways to obtain a free permit to exceed gross vehicle weight limits by 10 percent. Further, local authorities may waive the permit requirement at their discretion.
At the end of October, this year’s corn harvest was 17 percent behind last year’s harvest, and 11 percent behind the five-year average, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The emergency declaration took effect November 5 and will last for 45 days.