The Implement of Husbandry (IoH) Study Group was convened by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in October 2012. The initial focus of the IoH Study Group is in support of farming operations. Other agriculture commodity transport will be addressed at a later time.
Meeting agenda, minutes, and reports, including the complete reports from all phases, can be found by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website for Agricultural Equipment and Vehicles here.
Initial Recommendations: The background on all of these recommendations by the IoH Study Group can be found in greater detail within this Phase I Report. This Phase I Report does not explicitly establish statutory language; rather, the creation or amendments to Wisconsin law are summarized based on suggestions by the IoH Study Group. This Phase I Report will be sent to the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation on January 31, 2013.
The IoH Study Group, by consensus, offers the following recommendations:
- Create or amend statutory definitions and categories of IoH to assist in determining whether a vehicle, piece of equipment or machinery, or trailer is designed for agricultural purposes and used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operation.
- Establish a decal requirement for those vehicles identified as IoH that are self-propelled CMVs specifically and exclusively used in the conduct and support of an agricultural operation. The decal would be available from a transportation agency for an annual or periodic fee. The decal and fees would:
- Create a unique identifier for law enforcement
- Cover the cost of the administration of the decal, as well as education and out-reach
- Provide a mechanism to potential generate funds to target toward needs related to road use by agriculture through existing road improvement programs such as Town Road Improvement Programs (TRIP) and County Highway Improvement Programs (CHIP).
- Establish provision for maximum IoH width when operated on public roadways, and a separate, more restrictive maximum width for & IoH that are categorized as self-propelled & IoH CMVs.
- Create a maximum envelope allowance for IoH and combinations (not to exceed two towed vehicles) that may operate without a permit up to 100’ long, 15’ wide, and 16’ high. This provision will not apply to IoH CMV conversions. IoH CMVs would remain subject to separate within Wisconsin statutory size limits. The new maximum width limitation for non IoH CMV would apply to equipment manufactured or retrofitted after December 31, 2014. The manufactured or retrofitted manufacture date must be permanently affixed and displayed.
- Create a separate provision that allows IoH CMVs a maximum width allowance of 10’, to allow for all attachments, additional tire width, or extensions.
- Create authority to issue permits for operation of IoH and combination in excess of the maximum width subject to conditions established for such permits.
- Encourage the use and implementation of best practices found within this Phase I Report (including, but not limited to alternative transport, such as pipelines).
- Propose statutory changes that also provide authority for longitudinal accommodation. Create broad authority to issue permits to accommodate pipelines for liquid manure/nutrients including longitudinally in right of way when need is demonstrated, under specific conditions.
- Establish a standing forum under the direction of the WisDOT Secretary with participation of DATCP to bring together stakeholders affected by issues related to transportation and agriculture. The forum will focus on encouraging broad stakeholder participation to address transportation needs and impacts related to agriculture.
- Within 90 days, create a plan of action to outline the remaining issues of weight (loading, repetitions, and axle and wheel spacing), reasonable permitting amendments, and highway safety concerns.
- Within 30 days, establish an outreach sub-committee or work group. The outreach committee would be responsible for education and developing educational materials.
The IoH Study Group is comprised of:
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation
- Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection
- UW-Madison/Extension Center for Agricultural Safety and Health
- UW-Madison Department of Biological Systems Engineering
- UW-Extension Environmental Resource Center
- Wisconsin Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory
- Private Industry:
- Professional Nutrient Applicators Association of Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation
- Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Towns Association
- Wisconsin County Highway Association
- Maxville Truck and Repair
- Wisconsin Custom Operators
- League of Wisconsin Municipalities
- Wisconsin Agri-Business Association
- Husky Farm Equipment (Ontario, Canada)
- Association of Equipment Manufacturers (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
The Phase 2 report was completed in September 2013 as well as an addendum report. These reports are available here.