Rauner declares harvest emergency

Posted on November 6, 2017
Bruce Rauner
Gov. Bruce Rauner on Sunday declared a statewide harvest emergency to assist farmers and grain handlers who are grappling with the fallout of rain-related delays. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Bruce Rauner)

By RFD Radio/WFMB

YORKVILLE – Corn and soybean harvest is taking longer than normal this year, so the Illinois Farm Bureau asked Gov. Bruce Rauner to declare a harvest emergency.

The declaration signed by Rauner allows farmers to add ten percent more weight in grain trucks that are headed local elevators or delivery points.

“Illinois is home to 72,000 farms on 26.7 million acres. We are among the top three corn producers in the nation,” Rauner said while visiting Stewart Farms in Yorkville on Sunday. “Moving corn and other crops in a timely and efficient manner affects the bottom line of hard-working farmers. This declaration is an appropriate response to an urgent need.”

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Raymond Poe said he knows that every extra kernel on a truck helps speed harvest.

“Illinois farmers work tirelessly year-round, even more so around harvest,” he said. “The Department of Agriculture would like to thank Gov. Rauner for making this declaration and for his support of Illinois farmers.”

Farmers still need a special permit to add the extra weight to their grain trucks.

The Illinois Department of Transportation said it is ready to begin issuing permits. The Harvest Emergency is good for 45 days.

Continued wet weather has hampered harvest around the state.

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