In effort to move hay, governor temporarily relaxes some road rules

Montana has temporarily relaxed some rules for the amount of time truck drivers can be on the road in an effort to help ranchers feed their cattle. 

In a Monday executive order, Gov. Greg Gianforte waived several motor carrier regulations including “hours of service” limits that dictate how much a driver can work and load size restrictions.

Montana has been battling dry and severely dry conditions for six years, said the executive order, under a separate 2021 drought declaration. The order is set to expire on Sept. 13, 2026.

Montana Department of Agriculture Director Jillien Streit said it was an effort to cut red tape.

“When our producers are facing tight supplies and economic pressures, they do not need to also battle regulatory provisions that can slow down the essential movement of feed,” Streit said in a press release. “I appreciate Governor Gianforte lifting service requirements around hay delivery ensuring that our farmers and ranchers can do more with their precious time as it can be a bottleneck in volatile times like these.”

Hay is generally cut through the summer and into fall in Montana. Drought can adversely impact the amount of forage available to cattle throughout the summer and fall, leading ranchers to rely more heavily on bought feed, such as hay.

The press release from the Governor’s Office said the rules were relaxed for “certain carriers.” It’s not the first time Gianforte has suspended motor carrier regulations  — Governor’s Office spokesperson Charlie Roth said he did so in 2021, 2024 and 2025 for various reasons, including fire response, another hay hauling and to support fuel delivery for heating.

“With the persistent drought, it was essential that we eliminate any roadblocks that threaten the viability of our producers and their operations,” Gianforte said in a press release. “Through this executive order, we will ease motor vehicle restrictions to help producers get hay where they need it to go.”