Curt Jacobs
Maplewood Ag
As combines begin to roll and grain carts hit the road, it’s that time of year again—harvest season in Illinois and Iowa. For farmers, this is the most critical stretch of the year. Long hours, heavy equipment, and a race against weather all come together in a few short months. But for everyone who shares the road, harvest also brings unique safety challenges that we can’t afford to overlook.
Farm machinery is slow-moving, wide, and often unpredictable in where it has to turn. A tractor pulling wagons or a combine moving between fields can be difficult to see around. Passing without enough room or getting impatient can have consequences that no one wants to live with. The truth is, no load of grain and no quick errand is worth a life.
So here are a few simple reminders:
Slow down when you see farm equipment. That orange triangle means it’s moving far slower than normal traffic.
Give plenty of space. Don’t crowd, tailgate, or try to squeeze by—wide turns and sudden stops are part of farm equipment movement.
Stay alert at night. Equipment may have flashing lights, but visibility is still limited, and rural roads are unforgiving.
Be patient. Harvest lasts a season; regret lasts forever.
Every farmer, every driver, and every family has someone waiting at home. Let’s not make them wait in vain. Traffic safety during harvest isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a responsibility we all share. If we look out for each other, we all go home safe, without becoming another statistic.
Wishing you a safe and successful harvest.
