Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order Wednesday declaring a state of emergency to help alleviate the economic burden of rising input costs for Missouri's agriculture industry.
Executive Order 26-19 provides immediate relief for producers and livestock haulers by temporarily suspending motor vehicle fuel restrictions and increasing allowable weight limits for agricultural transportation.
The action allows farmers and haulers using commercial vehicles licensed for farm use to burn red-dyed diesel fuel on state highways for agricultural purposes. Dyed diesel is an off-road fuel sold without a motor fuels tax. Because of its tax-exempt status, Missouri law typically bars its use on public roadways.
By temporarily suspending these restrictions, the order prohibits law enforcement and state agencies from assessing taxes or administrative, civil or criminal penalties against operators working within the scope of the exemption.
Because many Missouri farm operations maintain onsite storage of dyed diesel for off-road use, allowing the fuel to be used on public highways increases immediate fuel availability and lowers costs for producers transporting their harvest.
“Missouri farmers are working hard to bring in this year’s harvest while facing higher costs at nearly every turn,” Kehoe said. “Our administration is taking targeted action where we can to help address the unique fuel and transportation needs of harvest season."
The governor noted that the temporary flexibility in transportation regulations aims to keep Missouri agriculture moving efficiently during a year when high fertilizer and fuel costs have made operations severely cost-inefficient.
"When we can reduce unnecessary costs for our farmers, that ultimately benefits families across our state,” Kehoe said.
To view the full executive order, visit sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2026/eo19.
