We all enjoy the bounty of America’s farms and ranches on our plates – so  

 

remember to let farmers and ranchers get their job done this spring. 

 

      Slow down on the roads and keep a safe distance as equipment moves and  

 

farmers prepare their fields for planting this year’s crops. At times it’s necessary  

 

for farmers to move equipment between farm sites. It’s important to know that  

 

agricultural machinery have two major limitations, the first – speed and the  

 

second – maneuverability. These machines cannot travel faster than 25 miles per  

 

hour. Often if they are pulling long trailers or spray machines in order to turn  

 

properly they will have to use a larger turning area. They may need to go to right  

 

in order to make a left turn, and if turning to the right may need to swing wider to  

 

the left. 

 

     If you are driving at 55 mph and come upon a tractor that is moving at 25  

 

mph, it only takes 5 seconds to close a gap the length of a football field between  

 

you and the tractor. Five seconds can mean the difference in preventing an  

 

accident. 

 

– Submitted by Jan McGuinn