Harvest season is starting in Wisconsin, which means that there will be lots of moving equipment on roadways across the state. Farmers will be working long hours in the field and moving heavy machinery more frequently. It is an important time to remind everyone how they can stay safe on roads and at railways.
Wisconsin’s agricultural ambassador, Alice in Dairyland, is traveling across the state to speak about the importance of staying safe. Ashley Hagenow is currently serving in the role of Alice. Hagenow is promoting Rail Safety Week and National Farm Safety and Health Week. Both are recognized September 18-24.
Educating the public on how to work around large agricultural equipment is very important for safety. Having these safety weeks is an opportunity to do just that. Hagenow said, “it’s a really great way to provide education and awareness on ways to keep yourself safe as well as ways to keep others on the road safe.”
As a Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) employee, Hagenow is traveling across the state to speak with various media outlets about these topics. She also has some general safety tips that everyone can use.
A few basic ones include giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination as well as giving large equipment plenty of space. Hagenow also says everyone should always yield to trains and agricultural equipment.
Hagenow has a helpful tip that may not be top of mind for most drivers. Her tip is to put your hazards on when following a slow moving tractor or other vehicle. “It just helps to let everyone on the road know that there are larger, slower moving vehicles on the roadway,” said Hagenow. “And we do all share the roadways, especially during the busy harvest season.”
