Governor Rhoden Provides Flexibility for Farmers at Harvest

Article Body

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 28, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Governor Rhoden Provides Flexibility for Farmers at Harvest

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed Executive Order 2026-11, which provides flexibility for South Dakota farmers who are enduring high diesel prices this harvest season.

"Diesel prices are far too high, and that has an impact on our farmers, especially during harvest. These actions should provide them some relief while they get their crop to market to feed us all," said Governor Rhoden.

Governor Rhoden also announced that his legal and policy teams are reviewing potential action by the Trump Administration, as well as actions taken by other states, to see if there is opportunity for South Dakota to take further steps to provide flexibility for farmers.

"All options are on the table. We're taking a serious look at what Washington is doing, as well as other states," continued Governor Rhoden. "I'm a constitutional conservative, and I act within my authority - so we want to make sure we're on firm footing before taking further action."

Executive Order 2026-11 takes the following actions to provide flexibility for farmers:

• Allows farmers to haul crops, livestock, and other agricultural commodities at 10% above weight restrictions, which will allow them to take fewer trips when hauling crops, livestock, and other agricultural commodities;
• Suspends a $25 overweight trip permit; and
• Directs the Department of Revenue to monitor fuel supplies and determine if a tax refund to suppliers is warranted if regular diesel needs to be used in farm machinery because of any future shortage of dyed diesel.

The federal government previously issued an hours-of-service waiver for 90 days for hauling fuel to allow flexibility in the supply chain, so action by Governor Rhoden was not needed.

The Executive Order does not allow haulers to exceed the posted weight limit of a bridge or 20,000 pounds per axle.

###