Legislation discussed to extend the moratorium on mowing and haying in state highway right-of-way is supported by Minnesota farm organizations.

Both Minnesota Farm Bureau and Minnesota Farmers Union support HF 4008 and SF 3569, which would continue a one-year moratorium on the Minnesota Department of Transportation enforcing permits to mow and hay in state highway ditches until April 30, 2019.

HF 4008 is sponsored by state Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent; companion bill SF 3569 is sponsored by state Sen. Gary Dahms, R-Redwood Falls.

After successful action in committees, each bill is now awaiting action by the full House and Senate, MFB reports.

Last year, the state Legislature passed a law that required the Minnesota Department of Transportation to impose a moratorium until April 30 of this year on enforcing a new system of standardized permits to mow or bale hay on that land.

MnDOT has 255,000 acres of land across the state, including 175,000 acres of green space called right-of-way. The department created a new standardized permit in 2016, which caused confusion and concern among farmers and landowners who had been mowing or haying that land for years without a permit — not knowing one was required.

At issue specific for farmers is the requirement to mow during the month of August. By this date, hay is too old to use it as quality livestock feed. However, environmentalists and hunters favor August mowing, because they see value in uncut ditches serving as habitat for wildlife and pollinators.

Thom Petersen, MFU government relations director, said he is optimistic that a bill will pass before the legislative session ends in May and that the governor will sign it.