Topeka ? Gov. Sam Brownback has signed an order making it easier to deliver hay quickly to drought-stricken parts of Kansas.

An executive order signed Wednesday suspends certain motor carrier rules and regulations for people hauling hay to livestock. Those include rules on permits, load sizes and nighttime travel of oversized loads.

Severe drought has left pastures in poor condition in many parts of Kansas, making it hard for livestock producers to feed their herds. Brownback says the result is an emergency that makes it necessary to get hay quickly to those areas.

Brownback’s office says the executive order will be in effect until it’s rescinded or until drought emergency and disaster declarations are lifted.