COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri farmers are getting temporary relief from restrictions on dyed diesel as they work to get this year’s harvest out of the field.

Gov. Mike Kehoe on Wednesday signed Executive Order 26-19, declaring a state of emergency and temporarily reducing restrictions on the types of diesel fuel that can be used for agricultural purposes.

The order allows farmers and haulers in commercial vehicles licensed for farm use to use dyed diesel fuel on Missouri state highways for agricultural purposes. It also temporarily increases the allowable weight for agricultural loads from 88,000 to 90,000 pounds.

The move comes as diesel prices remain above $6 a gallon. AAA reported Missouri’s average diesel price at $6.19 per gallon Wednesday, while the national average was $6.41. Missouri’s record-high average diesel price was $6.35 on Sept. 22.

For farmers and ranchers, those higher fuel costs are creating another challenge during one of the busiest times of the year.

Anita Vanderwert, president of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, said the additional expense has been difficult for agricultural producers.

“Farmers and ranchers are just like everyone else. With this added cost of gas and diesel right now, especially during harvest, it's pretty overwhelming compared to the previous years. So any help we can get is greatly appreciated,” Vanderwert told ABC 17 News. “This is one. It may seem like a small, but it's a big step for farmers and ranchers to be able to use.”

Under the executive order, eligible farmers and agricultural haulers can temporarily use dyed diesel on Missouri state highways for agricultural purposes.

Dyed diesel is off-road fuel marked with a red dye. It is commonly used for agricultural equipment and is sold without the motor-fuel tax. Because of that tax status, its use on public roads is normally restricted.

Vanderwert said farmers already use the fuel in tanks on their farms, but normally cannot use it when those vehicles travel on public highways.

“Red dye diesel typically could not be used on our highways because you are not taxed on the highway taxes. So it cannot be used on highways," Vanderwert said. "That's what we fill our big tanks at the farms is red-dyed, but it's only for on-farm usage. This allows us to use what was typically only allowed for on-farm usage into our all of our vehicles.”

Missouri is one of several states that have taken steps to provide agricultural fuel or transportation relief as harvest season continues. Alabama, Louisiana, Nebraska and Texas have also taken action related to fuel costs or restrictions in recent days.

The executive order also increases the allowable weight for eligible agricultural loads by 2,000 pounds, giving farmers and haulers additional capacity when transporting agricultural products.

Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins wrote in a statement that the temporary change gives farmers another option as they deal with higher operating costs.

“Missouri farmers are dealing with higher costs at nearly every turn, and diesel is a major expense for getting crops harvested and transported,” Hawkins said. “This temporary flexibility gives farmers another tool to help manage those costs and keep moving the products that feed and fuel our state and our nation. We appreciate Gov. Kehoe recognizing the challenges farmers are facing and taking action to provide some relief.”

The Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Soybean association also supported the move.

“Missouri farmers are working hard to get this year’s crop out of the field, but higher fuel costs are making an already tough year even tougher,” Missouri Corn CEO Bradley Schad said in a statement. “We appreciate Gov. Kehoe recognizing the challenges farmers are facing and taking steps to provide additional flexibility during harvest.”

“Missouri farmers are working to get their crops out of the field and to market while facing substantial pressure to their bottom lines,” Missouri Soybean Association President Cody Brock said in that group’s release. “We appreciate Gov. Kehoe’s recognition of that challenge and his work with MSA over the past week to provide relief to Missouri growers.”

The order is temporary and expires Oct. 30, unless it is extended.

“Hopefully we will get some extension. But ideally, let's hope that based on gas prices just go down," Vanderwert said.

The order does not override federal restrictions on dyed diesel. Federal rules still apply, including restrictions on using dyed diesel on interstates and some U.S. highways. Farmers and agricultural haulers must also meet the order’s eligibility requirements and follow applicable route restrictions and bridge limits.