Farm to Family Column: Be Careful Out There

By Curt Arens

Northeast Nebraska News Agency

October 28, 2007

DearFriends,

Bynow, many of you who listen to the radio on a regular basis have heard CraigMorgan's new song, "I'm an International Harvester". Whether you area fan of John Deere, Case-IH, New Holland or another brand of farm machinery,you have to laugh knowingly when you listen to Morgan's lyrics, about driving acombine during harvest time down a busy highway.

Helaments that farmers can't make the machine go any faster, even if motoristswould like him to. He talks about the dirty looks and hand gestures he receivesfor simply driving down the highway to his next field.

Morgansings about long hours in the field, low pay, high input costs, and the lack ofcivility on the part of folks who don't care if he gets to the fields at all.The song is hilarious, and to most farmers who have been in that situation, itis all too true. Although we are getting close to the down side of harvestseason around here, these are important concepts for motorists to remember.

Folkswho live in rural areas, may or may not like the extra drive time they needthis time of year when they get behind a wagon load of corn or a combine movingto another field. In Morgan's words, "Excuse me for tryin' to do my job.But this year ain't been no bumper crop." Farmers are just trying to bringin the harvest, to feed not only their families, but also the families of theworld, carrying on that noble legacy.

Takingthings a little slower on the road is not only the more polite thing to do forthe farmer, because it is often difficult enough to maneuver a big machinesafely, without being crowded or pushed by impatient vehicles. A smile or waveby a patient and understanding motorist, helps a lot when you are movingimplements out on the road.

Takingthe civil approach is also a safe bet, because it is downright dangerous tocrowd these machines. Never assume that the farmer can see you as well as youcan see him. Sunlight at the right angle blazing into the cab of a tractor orcombine, sometimes impairs vision somewhat, and makes it more difficult to seeevery vehicle pushing the farmer down the road.

Motoristsshould take extreme care when passing farm implements. Give yourself plenty ofroom and don't try to "gun it" just so you can squeeze in ahead of anoncoming car or truck, because combines do not stop on a dime or corner likethey are on rails. If you are traveling a narrow country road, please keep yourvehicle on your side, in case you would meet a combine or tractor coming over ahill.

Farmingis a dangerous occupation, second only to coal mining in deaths in the U.S.each year. Tragedy and tragic circumstances can often be avoided if everyonejust slows down, takes a little more time and thinks about the other person whois also sharing the road.

Asharvest season starts to wrap up, remember that everyone puts in long hoursthis time of year, and whether you're coming up on a red, green, blue, brightpurple or hot pink combine, give the farmers a little extra room and a bit moretime. As Morgan puts it, "Just smile and wave and tip your hat. To the manup in the tractor."

Havea good week.