It’s that time of year again when one will find farmers harvesting their bountiful crops that they have been tending to ever since early spring. Although the reaping is never easy work and farmers are working very long hours, this part of the growing season can be one of the more rewarding for those in the agricultural community.
According to the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture in a weekly crop progress and condition report, Minnesota’s fall harvest is running well ahead of last year’s pace for most crops.
Farmers have taken advantage of the dry weather over the last few weeks and the harvest advanced for dry beans, corn for silage, potatoes, and sugarbeets, and harvesting has now begun for corn for grain and soybeans.
Unlike in other recent growing seasons, Minnesota’s soil is neither too dry nor too wet this year, with 85 percent of the topsoil and 84 percent of the subsoil rated as adequate.
Fifty percent of potatoes and 77 percent of dry beans have been harvested.
Fifteen percent of the sugarbeet crop has been lifted, the fastest pace in the last 50 years.
Sixty-seven percent of the corn for silage has been harvested, and 12 percent of the soybean crop has been harvested.
The third cutting of alfalfa hay is 95 percent complete, over two weeks ahead of last year.
As farmers continue with the fall harvest, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding everyone of possible hazards of the season. MDA is offering tips and advice to ensure all Minnesotans are safe, whether harvesting fields or encountering farm equipment on roadways.
Federal and state statistics show farming is one of the most dangerous professions. In 2013, the latest year reported, 17 of the 69 work-related deaths in the state were in the ag industry, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
People are being asked to be mindful of tractors and farming equipment along well-traveled roads, as roadways are dangerous for producers and non-farmers alike, as equipment is transported and grain is hauled from fields. Statistics from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety show that of the more than 190,000 people involved in crashes in Minnesota in 2014, 119 people were involved in a crash with a tractor or other farm equipment. Those crashes resulted in 12 injuries and one death.
In addition to road safety, the MDA is highlighting a wide range of farm safety topics this season, including child safety on the farm, proper livestock and grain handling and guidelines for reducing physical stress. For people living in rural areas, be on the lookout for farm equipment and slow down when encountering slow moving vehicles. Wait for a safe place to pass and avoid using a cell phone while driving.
For farmers, make yourself easy to be seen by using your lights and flashers and remember it is Minnesota law to use slow moving vehicle emblems on equipment traveling less than 30 miles per hour. An escort vehicle is also required when moving large equipment that extends over the center line.
The MDA is also asking farmers to make sure to get enough sleep and rest to refresh the mind and body. If one is spending long hours in a combine or tractor, be sure to take short breaks often.
And, it may take an extra moment or two to walk down every step or double-check a piece of equipment, but that extra time may be a lifesaver. Don't cut corners when it comes to safety.
Also, the MDA asks people to look for the best in people and their situations. Remember, no one is perfect. Realize that fiscal and time pressure challenges due to weather, crop prices and market demand are beyond ones control.
“It is every one’s responsibility to ensure an injury free harvest season,” said Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson in a release. “While traveling through rural areas, all drivers need to pay attention to and respect farm equipment that may be on the roads.”
