Harvest season arrives for farmers; what law enforcement says about farm traffic

EDMONSON COUNTY, Ky. – Autumn means harvest season for farmers in the Bluegrass state.

From corn to soybeans, pumpkins and more, farmers are gearing up and moving their crops, using those big wheels to transfer goods.

“Right now, you have farmers that are harvesting their crops. They’ll have their combines and their tractors and their grain wagons on the road moving from field to field,” said the Edmonson County Sheriff James Vincent.

“The farmers are the backbone of our nation. Without them, we are not going to eat. so, slow down. If you’re in that big of a hurry, you should’ve left earlier.”

Transporting crops requires some farmers to use the roads. So, when you see them, it may take time because some tractors can only travel 37 miles per hour.

Edmonson County Judge Executive Ronald Lindsey took to socials, urging community members in Edmonson county to be patient with farmers, with a quote saying:

“Please be aware and cautious when driving on the roads, and let’s show our farming friends some grace, understanding and patience as they go about their activities of not only providing for their families but ours as well.”

Vincent said it’s okay to go around but only when the law allows according to the road’s centerlines. 

“They’ll try to pass on a blind hill and blind curve. Just because the tractor or combine or whatever is going slower, you can pass them, but make sure you can see what’s coming,” the sheriff said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that farmers are involved in nearly 15,000 road collisions a year.

Vincent said that colliding with a farmer’s truck is no accident you want to participate in.

“We’ve had instances where people cut over too fast and hit a piece of equipment. I don’t know if everybody knows but a car versus a big combine or tractor is not going to go well for the car,” he said.

He said be patient with those that are bringing food to your table, because they too have a place to call home at the end of the day.

Vincent said, “They have to move equipment from field to field. That’s just the way it is. Just take your time.”