As a result of the extreme drought conditions in Texas, Alabama state transportation and agriculture officials are working to issue special hay hauler permits.

This no-cost process is a combined effort of the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries and the Alabama Department of Transportation to provide emergency relief to livestock producers.

Texas has received only about 6 inches of rain since January, less than half the normal precipitation, resulting in the most severe one-year drought on record.

To make matters worse, Texas has experienced weeks of triple digit temperatures, withering crops and pastureland.

“The lack of rainfall and extreme temperatures have left livestock producers with little forage and water to care for their animals. Farmers and ranchers are in dire need of assistance.

“We hope issuing these special hay hauler permits will allow Alabama farmers to send much needed hay to their fellow cattlemen in Texas,” said Commissioner John McMillan of the Department of Agriculture and Industries.

To transport over-dimensional loads of hay through Alabama to Texas with maximum dimensions of 12 feet wide by 14 feet high, a no-cost permit is available from ALDOT until Sept. 1.

To be added to the ALDOT database as a new hauler, please complete a New Hauler Letter Form available on ALDOT’s website, dot.state.al.us. Select "Emergency Drought Relief for Texas-Hay Transport” under “Featured Information.”

If you do not have Internet access, you may also call 1-800-499-2782. The following information will need to be provided to the ALDOT staff member who answers your call:

• Truck/trailer tag numbers;

• Route information (U.S. and state routes only, unavailable for interstate travel);

• City and state of origin and destination.