BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With farmers starting work in their fields, Wisconsin agriculture leaders are reminding motorists to be aware of tractors and other farm equipment.
They held a safety demonstration Wednesday morning in southern Brown County.
When a farmer sits in the cab of the tractor, they are typically thinking about safety. On a closed county road, that theory was put to the test.
“Springtime and planting is starting, so we went to look at sharing the road between farm equipment, and our motoring public,” said Cheryl Skjolaas, UW-Extension Agriculture Safety and Health Specialist.
The first test involved someone following close behind, and then trying to pass the 65,000 pound tractor and planter combo on a hill. The next demonstration included passing in a no-passing zone. Skjolaas says farm equipment is allowed to drive on the road.
“We don’t want them off on that shoulder. It’s harder on the roadway to be part on the road, part on the shoulder. It’s a lot more complex for people to make that decision of what they’re doing.”
Skjolaas says farm equipment wider than 15 feet needs to have flashing lights.
“It can be dangerous,” said Dan Brick, Brickstead Dairy Owner.
Brick hosted the event. He tells FOX 11 he’s had some close calls.
“Oh yeah, every year we always have a couple of them. It’s when you’re ready to make a left turn, especially if that person doesn’t realize that they’re pulling into the farm driveway, or whatever that is.”
Brick says planting season is approaching.
“We’re hoping to get out in the fields. We’re getting closer. Obviously the weather’s been very cool and wet as of late, but when that window gets tighter, it means more equipment on the road.”
Wednesday’s demonstration was a partnership between the The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, and The University of Wisconsin Extension.
