The Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) was pleased when the Steamship Authority announced on April 14 in a memo that it would allow bailed, oil-free hay aboard all ship security assessment (SSA) vessels. This change came after MFBF members on Martha’s Vineyard, MFBF staff and the Steamship Authority met to discuss concerns in January.
“Martha’s Vineyard Farm Bureau (MVFB) is a brand-new county, which was created in 2020,” said MFBF President Mark Amato. “They have concerns that are unique to them, such as transporting hay on the ferry. I’m pleased to see us working well with them and already seeing success at addressing the issues facing their industries.”
Prior to this change, hay had to be transported in an open-air vessel due to its flammable nature. The only way hay could be taken in an enclosed vessel was with the permission of and at the discretion of the vessel’s captain.
However, after meeting with MFBF staff and MVFB members, the Steamship Authority changed this policy. Now, all bailed, oil-free hay will be allowed aboard all SSA vessels. For open-deck vessels, hay must be tarped or in a closed vehicle and upon a temperature check, it must not exceed 130ºF. For covered vessels, it also must be tarped or in a closed vehicle and must not exceed 14% moisture content. In the memo announcing the change, it indicates the SSA staff will employ a probe to check hay temperature, though it remains unclear if that probe also measures moisture.
“We would like to thank the Steamship Authority for their timely and thoughtful action on this matter,” Amato said. “This is a step in the right direction, and while we still have work to do to address concerns regarding livestock transportation on the ferry, we are pleased with this first step.”
MFBF staff and MVFB leadership have also been discussing ways to improve their ability to move livestock on the ferry. At this time, MFBF has issued a guidance document to help farmers know best practices when transporting livestock aboard the ferry as approved by the Steamship Authority.
This originally appeared on the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation website, April 26, 2021.
