NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam has signed an executive order easing restrictions on hay haulers to help farmers without access to hay for livestock.

The order allows trucks to carry larger loads as long as they observe safety requirements.

His office said Thursday the directive is in response to drought and extreme weather conditions in Texas and across the Southeast, which has cut access to hay. Haslam said the order will allow much needed hay to be shipped safely through Tennessee.

Tennessee is the fifth biggest producer of hay in the country.