BURLINGTON, Colo. (AP) -- Gov. John Hickenlooper says drought conditions have prompted him to sign an executive order that suspends permits necessary for the transportation of large bales of hay or baled livestock feed.

The governor announced the order during the inaugural Pedal the Plains bicycle ride Sunday, saying the drought has severely affected the ability of the state's livestock producers to get the required amount of feed for their animals.

The order will allow the state to issue single-trip, extra-legal permits for divisible loads of "baled hay" or "baled livestock feed" of heights ranging from 14 feet, 6 inches to 15 feet. It will stay in effect until Oct. 21.