LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Dave Heineman is expanding plans to make roadside hay available to help livestock producers deal with drought.

Earlier this week, Heineman ordered the state Roads Department to begin roadside haying early in 55 counties.

Then on Thursday, Heineman added 15 additional counties to the list allowing early hay harvest.

Under roadside haying, the state stops mowing along state roads and allows producers to harvest the forage for their livestock.

The list of counties participating in roadside haying is available at the governor’s website, http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/