As children return to school, geese and cranes prepare for their journey south, the nights become cooler and the leaves begin to change, our fall farmers are busy on the farm. Harvest season and preparing their property and animals for the colder weather keeps them busy this time of year!
For many communities around Wisconsin, harvest season brings with it increased slow-moving traffic and oversized loads on narrow rural roads. As more farmers own or lease land that is not directly connected to their main property, we are seeing more tractors traveling longer distances on the road.
At the same time, more and more Americans are moving out of cities and into rural areas, which means there are more non-farm vehicles on those same rural roads. If drivers aren’t careful, a normal morning commute can quickly take a turn for the worse.
Over the years, the utilize of seat belts, airbags and rollover protection systems have reduced the likelihood of solemn injury in the event of an accident, but avoiding them altogether is still the preferred option.
Fortunately, many accidents involving agricultural machinery and vehicles can be prevented by keeping a few key points in mind:
- Always stay alert when driving and make sure both drivers and passengers wear seat belts.
- Due to the damp conditions we have had this year, road verges can be particularly cushioned, so please be aware that it is not always possible for agricultural machinery to veer off the main lane.
- Only drive through overtaking zones and only when you are sure it is protected to do so, even if the machine may move sideways. It was illegal overtaking of agricultural machinery in no-pass zones on Wisconsin roads since 2014.
- Remember to keep an appropriate distance between vehicles and do not drive too close to the intersection, as it takes longer for agricultural machinery to stop than for a passenger vehicle.
- Overall, remember to be patient. People driving machinery also want to get to their next location quickly and safely, so be sure to give them a break when crossing paths.
If there is no work in the field, farmers with livestock start preparing for winter on the farm in the fall. Making sure your animals are ready before the icy temperatures arrive helps ensure their success.
A chilly wind takes heat away from animals in the same way it does to humans, with a wind speed of 20 miles per hour roughly equating to a 30-degree drop in temperature. Farm animals should have some protection from the wind, this may be a windbreak, a three-sided shelter or a draft-free building, depending on the specific needs of the animal. Farmers will also stockpile dehydrated bedding in the fall to keep animals toasty regardless of the weather.
Keeping your pets robust from the inside is just as crucial as keeping them toasty. Providing access to fresh water is a key aspect of wintering all types of livestock. This may mean using a heated water container or other frost-resistant watering device.
Farmers are also preparing for increased demand for feed in colder weather. Nutrient needs augment by about 1% for every degree temperatures drop below 20 degrees F. This may mean farmers need to store more feed on their property or work with others to supplement the nutrients of their animals. Farmers often work with nutritionists to provide their animals with a well-balanced diet even in the most arduous weather conditions.
When fall arrives and you may be stuck behind a farmer working extra hours, bringing in crops, or getting everyone ready for the icy weather, take this protracted opportunity to thank the farmer and appreciate this pretty state in which we live.
