BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum yesterday signed an executive order extending the hours of service waivers for drivers of commercial vehicles hauling anhydrous ammonia or other fertilizers.

Here is a portion of the news release from the Governor’s office:

North Dakota farmers are facing a delayed spring planting season because of late winter snowfall and extended cold weather, giving them a shorter time frame for planting and fertilizing fields. Cold, wet conditions in other areas of the Midwest also have compressed the planting season and increased demand for fertilizer.

Waiving the hours of service requirements will ensure that haulers can deliver greater volumes of fertilizer in shorter periods of time to meet producers’ needs. State Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring requested the waiver.

The waiver will remain in effect through May 31. All road safety and vehicle compliance regulations still apply.