- It clarifies the definition of what qualifies as an implement of husbandry (IOH)
- It creates a new definition for agricultural commercial motor vehicles
- It establishes size parameters and lighting requirements for farm machinery operated on roadways
- It increases weight limits by 15 percent for IOH
- It increases axel weight limits from 20,000 to 23,000, and total gross vehicle weight from 80,000 to 92,000 pounds.
It should be noted that towns and counties have the authority to adopt a resolution or an ordinance to establish a local permitting process to issue no-fee permits for approved routes for tillage, planting and harvesting equipment.
The legislation is the result of discussions between legislators, the Wisconsin Counties Association, Wisconsin Towns Association and agricultural organizations. Farm groups in support of the bill are the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Soybean Association, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Wisconsin Pork Association and the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association.
The bill returns to the State Senate for final approval, which could happen on April 1.
“Passing IOH legislation remains the top priority of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau before the spring planting season begins next month,” said Paul Zimmerman, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s executive director of Governmental Relations. “Farmers need to be able to legally drive their farm equipment to their fields to plant this year’s crops. The Farm Bureau is pleased that the Legislature is working diligently to accomplish this.” FG
—From Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation news release
