Our Safety Directors, Doug Hoffman and Traci Schroepfer, are sharing practical tips and reminders to help keep our employees, customers, and communities safe during the busiest, hottest, and longest days of the year.
Taking a few extra minutes to slow down and stay aware can help prevent injuries and accidents.
Sharing the Road with Farm Equipment
Slow moving equipment on rural roads may add a few extra minutes to your drive, but patience matters.
Farm equipment:
• Takes longer to stop
• Often makes wide turns
• Has larger blind spots than most vehicles
• May need extra room on narrow roads
One of the biggest mistakes drivers make is assuming equipment pulling to the side is waving them around. In many cases, that driver is actually preparing for a wide turn into a field entrance or approach.
A little patience can prevent a serious accident.
Spraying Season Safety
Spraying season comes with long hours and changing conditions. Staying focused on safety helps protect both operators and the people around them.
A few simple reminders:
• Wear the recommended PPE
• Follow all product label instructions
• Double check equipment and hose connections before use
• Make sure enclosed spaces are properly ventilated
• Wash exposed skin and clothing after handling products
Cutting corners to save a few minutes is not worth the risk.
Mowing Safety Matters Too
Mowing season is not limited to the farm. Whether you are mowing road ditches, acreages, or your backyard in town, safety should still come first.
Before mowing:
• Clear the area of rocks, sticks, and debris
• Wear eye and hearing protection
• Watch for uneven ground, ditches, and hidden obstacles
• Use extra caution on slopes and roadsides
• Keep kids and pets at a safe distance
• Never reach under or near moving blades
And if you see roadside mowing equipment, slow down and move over when possible.
Grass grows back. Fingers do not.
We All Play a Part
Safety is not just for the person operating the equipment. It takes awareness from everyone sharing the road, working in the field, or helping around the farm and yard.
As the busy season continues, we encourage everyone to take a little extra time, stay alert, and look out for one another.