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The Paper of Miami County
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Miami County Farmers take to fields and roads
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A Miami County farmer is planting soybeans just outside of the Peru area. Many local farmers have begun to plant their crops. Photo by Michelle Boswell
By Michelle Boswell mboswell@thepaperofmiami If you take a drive through the Miami County countryside you will see one of two kinds of fields. Those that already have crops planted and those that are still barren. Weather is the deciding factor, mostly, as to when crops are planted and each spring is different from the next. Last spring planting was delayed because of such a wet season. So far this year the drop in temperature has kept some tractors in the barn instead of the fields. Recently, Miami County felt the chill of a late frost that caused some damage to crops that were already above ground. That means more time and money are to be spent replanting what was already done. It’s a game of chance that each farmer faces every year. Safety is a huge concern for farmers as well. The use of chemicals and heavy equipment can be stressful but there are other factors that come into play when preparing to plant crops. Sharing the road with others is a concern and requires much attention and caution. More tractors will be on the highways and country roads and although the roads may not be quite as busy because of COVID-19, it is important to remember patience when approaching farm equipment on the roads. The following tips are provided by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to keep motorists safe during planting season. Most farmers will pull over when they are able to let a motorist pass, but it may take time for the to get a safe
May 13, 2020
place to do so. Be careful and patient when passing. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination, be aware of alternate routes and avoid distractions. Do not pass within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel. Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the roadway. Exercise caution when passing. Do not tailgate farm vehicles, as they might have to make sudden stops along the road. Do not try to pass a slow-moving vehicle on the left without ensuring that the vehicle is not planning a left turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over for you to pass when it is actually preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer. While these are tips to keep motorists safe, the National FFA Organization have tips to keep farmers safe while on the job. Avoid driving tractors and ATVs on the road at dawn and dusk. This is the peak time for drivers commuting to and from work. If you must be on the road, make sure your equipment has plenty of reflective material, use your headlights, wear your seat belt and carry your license and insurance cards. When possible, have a friend or family member act as an escort vehicle. Watch where you step. It’s not just the cow pies in the
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field you should watch out for. When working in potential risky spaces like manure pits, grain bins or logging areas, pay extra attention to your surroundings to avoid dangerous gases, loose footing or falling hazards. Follow the label. Whether you are working with pesticides, vaccinations or fertilizers, always follow the label exactly. Be sure to wear the proper personal protective equipment, handle and store materials appropriately, and keep all supplies away from young children. Create a Farm Aid Kit. While many farmers keep duct tape and baling twine handy during the spring, adding a few other materials can create an essential Farm Aid Kit. Grab a travel bag and add a fire extinguisher, bottles of water and basic first aid materials. Keep an information card on hand that includes emergency contact numbers as well as written directions on how to get to the farm, field and other work areas. Take care of yourself. Long hours in the field can lead many farmers to neglect basic self-care. Make eating regular meals and getting an adequate amount of sleep priorities this spring to prevent careless accidents. As the temperatures rise, remember to stay hydrated both in and out of the field. Miami County farmers are well on their way to filling the fields with their annual crops so be sure to watch out for them both on and off the road.
Vol. 1, No. 14