MoDOT allows overweight loads of agricultural goods to be transported on Missouri highways

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Intro:	After one of the most severe snow storms in recent memory, Missouri farmers face many obstacles trying to care for livestock.
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Wrap: MU Extension livestock specialist Albert Kennett says conditions are terrible for farmers with livestock.

Kennett says while there is no shortage of feed, heavy snow makes it almost impossible for farmers to get their animals fed and watered.

Actuality:	KENNETT2.WAV
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Description: "The feeding is just really horrible. Just as difficult as it has been to get our cars out, it is that difficult to get feed to livestock."

Kennett says the cold temperatures aren't a problem for livestock.

But he says livestock producers will struggle until the snow melts.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Helena Kooi.

Intro:	After the blizzard, Missouri's Transportion Department is helping farmers get supplies to their animals.
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Wrap: MoDOT says farmers can request a permit to drive overweight loads of agricultural goods on Missouri highways.

The permit allows loads up to ten percent heavier than normal.

MU Extension livestock specialist Albert Kennett says the snow makes caring for livestock complicated.

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Run Time:	00:12
Description: "Getting the cows to the barn, moving them in these conditions from one lot or one pasture to another, is just as difficult for those of us that all we had to do was get out of our garage and get to work."

Kennett says the main issue is not that supplies are running low.

He says the hardest part is for farmers to get those supplies to their animals in the snow.

From Jefferson City, I'm Helena Kooi.

Intro:	Missouri's Department of Transportation is allowing overweight loads of livestock feed to travel on highways to help farmers struggling in the snow.
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Wrap: MoDOT says farmers can get permits to transport loads ten percent heavier than usual through Sunday.

The Department says the permits will help farmers struggling to feed their animals.

Sandra Rankin from Rankin Farms in Buffalo says snow makes her job difficult, but not impossible.

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Run Time:	00:10
Description: "That's just the best you can do is see that they have feed and water. In this type of weather, it's an all day job and sometimes part of the night."

Rankin says she's concerned with getting water to her cattle because her pond has frozen over.

From the state Capitol, I'm Helena Kooi.