DOT reminding farmers to remove processed hay from ditches

The South Dakota Department of Transportation is reminding farmers and ranchers to remove any hay that has been processed in the ditches along state highways. State regulations require that hay be removed from the rights-of-way within 30 days of being processed, but no later than October 1 each year.

Craig Smith, SDDOT Director of Operations, says they are beginning preparations for winter, and are asking for cooperation from anyone who had processed hay to remove it over the next week.

Smith adds that removing hay from the highway right-of-way is an important safety consideration for motorists. Hay can be a safety hazard for vehicles forced to leave the road and, in some cases, can restrict a driver’s sight distance. When left in the road ditches late in the year, hay can also cause snow drifts across the highway.