Farming is often a family tradition. Along with land, equipment, and knowledge, each generation has an opportunity to pass down something even more important: a commitment to safety. Instead of saying, “We have always done it that way,” ask, “Is there a safer way to do it now?”
Experience Matters
Experienced farmers have lots of valuable knowledge. Be sure to share that knowledge with the next generation.
Equipment and farm operations
Local weather and terrain
Livestock behavior
Seasonal hazards
Lessons learned over decades of farming
New Perspectives Matter Too
Younger generations may bring new ideas to the table. Safety ultimately improves when generations learn from one another.
New technology
Updated safety practices
Different approaches to equipment operation
Greater awareness of new hazards
New ideas for improving farm efficiency
Always Teach First
Youth and inexperienced workers should never be placed on equipment or given responsibilities simply because that was how you learned. Also, be aware that most of the time youth and inexperienced workers learn by watching you. If you do something unsafe, they will likely copy that unsafe behavior. Lead by example.
Farming often requires long hours of strenuous work, unpredictable conditions, and constant decision making. Taking care of your health is not separate from farm safety; it is an important part of it.
Take Care of Your Body
Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.
Take regular breaks during physically demanding work.
Use proper lifting techniques and ask for assistance with heavy or awkward loads.
Wear appropriate footwear and PPE.
Get adequate sleep before operating tractors, machinery, or other equipment.
Take Care of Your Mind
Stress, fatigue, financial concerns, weather challenges, and long workdays can take a toll on you mentally.
Watch for signs of excessive stress.
Constant fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability or frustration
Loss of interest in normal activities
Changes in sleep or appetite
Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
Environmental Hazards and Concerns
Use appropriate PPE and take steps to reduce exposure to common hazards and concerns such as:
Excessive heat and sun
Dust and allergens
Noise
Chemicals and pesticides
Animal related hazards
Repetitive motions
Mental Health Resources
National Hotlines & Crisis Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7, free, and confidential).
AgriStress HelpLine: Call 833-897-AGRI (833-897-2474) for free, 24/7 mental health support designed specifically for agricultural communities.
2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with local community, financial, and health services in your area.
Specialized Programs & Education
Farm State of Mind: Run by the American Farm Bureau Federation, this campaign offers a searchable directory of state-by-state mental health resources and counseling services.
Rural Minds: Offers the free Farmer Mental Health Resilience Program, providing online tools, fact sheets, and education to reduce stigma and build resilience in agricultural communities.
Rural Resilience Training: A free online course developed by Farm Credit and partners to teach individuals how to recognize stress symptoms and communicate effectively with stressed farmers.
Farm equipment is a common sight on rural roadways, but large machinery, slow-moving vehicles, limited visibility, and changing road conditions can create serious hazards for both operators and motorists.
Common Hazards
Slow-moving vehicles: Tractors, combines, and other machinery may travel at speeds well below the posted speed limit.
Limited visibility: Large equipment can block an operator’s view of approaching traffic.
Wide loads: Implements may extend into another lane or require extra room when turning.
Left turns: Farm equipment may need to swing wide before making turns.
Nighttime travel: Lights and reflective markings are critical when operating after dark.
Safety Tips for Equipment Operators
Use a Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign for equipment traveling less than 25 mph.
Make sure headlights, taillights, flashers, and turn signals are working.
Keep reflective material and lighting clean and visible.
Check mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
Avoid traveling on roadways during poor visibility or high traffic times.
Secure or remove equipment components that could create roadway hazards.
Tips for Motorists
Slow down when approaching farm equipment.
Maintain a safe following distance.
Do not pass until you have a clear view of oncoming traffic.
Be alert for equipment making wide or unexpected turns.
Remember that farm machinery may need to use more than one lane.
Harvest season is one of the most demanding times of the year for the farming community. Long hours, tight schedules, changing weather, heavy equipment, and increased roadway traffic can quickly create dangerous working conditions for farmers and farm employees. Increased fatigue and pressure to get crops out of the field are added to the equation, often increasing the risk of agricultural incidents.
Common Harvest Hazards
Harvest equipment contains numerous moving parts and can expose workers to serious hazards.
Entanglement in PTO shafts, augers, belts, chains, and other moving components.
Falls from combines, tractors, grain carts, and trailers.
Machinery rollovers
Fires caused by accumulated crop residue and debris
Slips, trips, and falls around equipment and storage facilities
Never assume a machine is safe just because it is turned off. Always follow proper shutdown and lockout procedures before working on equipment.
Before You Start Harvest
Before operating equipment:
Inspect machinery for damage or worn out parts.
Check brakes, tires, lights, and safety devices.
Make sure shields and guards are properly installed.
Clean crop residue from engines and other hot surfaces.
Check fluid levels and look for leaks.
Make sure fire extinguishers are charged and accessible. Every piece of equipment should have a fire extinguisher.
Make sure everyone understands safety features and their responsibilities.
Never Work on Running Equipment
SHUT IT DOWN BEFORE YOU REACH IN!
Never attempt to adjust equipment or remove crop material while machinery is running.
Before performing maintenace or clearning a blockage:
Shut off the engine.
Remove the key.
Wait for all moving parts to completely stop.
Follow all lockout/tagout procedures.
Verify that all stored energy has been released before beginning work.
Farm Equipment on the Road
Harvest season often means moving large equipment between fields, farms, and storage facilities.
When traveling on public roadways:
Use Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) signs on equipment traveling 25 mph or less.
Make sure headlights, taillights, and warning lights are working.
Use turn signals whenever possible.
Be aware of the width and height of your equipment.
Use escort vehicles when appropriate.
Avoid traveling during periods of poor visibility and high traffic times.
Remember that other drivers may not understand how slowly agricultural equipment is traveling.
Harvest Safety Checklist
Before heading to the field, ask:
☐ Is my equipment properly maintained? ☐ Are guards and shields in place? ☐ Are lights and SMV signs visible? ☐ Do I have a charged fire extinguisher? ☐ Have I removed crop residue from hot areas? ☐ Do I have a plan for equipment breakdowns? ☐ Have I identified safe routes for moving equipment? ☐ Do I have a communication plan with other workers? ☐ Have I gotten enough rest to safely operate equipment? ☐ Does everyone know the emergency plan?
