STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER 2017-06

WHEREAS, Widespread drought conditions, low humidity, and high temperatures have created serious peril for our state; and;

WHEREAS, Nearly 80 percent of our state is suffering from abnormally dry, or moderate to severe drought conditions; and,

WHEREAS, Drought conditions threaten livestock, property, and the livelihood of our citizens; and

WHEREAS, Moderate and severe drought conditions are found in central, north central and western South Dakota as well as in the extreme northeast part of the state; and,

WHEREAS, Drought-stricken pastures and hay fields have left agricultural producers with inadequate forage for their livestock; and,

WHEREAS, Easing of haying and transportation restrictions is necessary to provide assistance to drought stricken areas:

IT IS, THEREFORE, BY EXECUTIVE ORDER, declared under provisions of SDCL 34-48A that a state of drought emergency exists, and the following administrative rules are hereby suspended to alleviate the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering by our state's agricultural producers, and to provide relief and assistance.

IT IS FURTHER DECLARED, that the provisions of ARSD 70:04:06:06, prohibiting the mowing of the right-of-way east of the Missouri River before July 10th, are hereby suspended to allow the immediate mowing of state highway ditches.

IT IS FURTHER DECLARED, that the provisions of ARSD 61 :25 :02:0 I limiting the farm vehicle operators commercial driver's license exemption to within 150 miles of a person's farm are hereby suspended.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that this executive order shall expire on December 16, 2017.
Dated in Pierre, South Dakota, this Sixteenth day of June, 2017.

Dennis Daugaard
Governor of South Dakota

ATTEST:

Shaniel Krebs
Secretary of State