‘We don’t want to be on the road, but we have to get to our field’: Farmers asking for patience

Harvest has been extended this year due to the amount of rain and snow recently. Farmer Mike Colclough is estimating it will continue for another month, depending on if the weather cooperates.

During the harvest season, there’s a lot of big, slow-moving equipment on the roads, like trucks, combines, and tractors. Colclough is asking drivers to be patient.

“We don’t want to be on the road either. So, just be patient and we will get off the road as soon as we can. We do not want to be out there driving slow and causing problems, but we have to get to our field. Just be patient and let us get there.”

It’s also important to be alert when behind big equipment, especially if you plan to pass.

“Most farm equipment — not all, but most — has left turn and right turn signals. But from what I’ve noticed, you turn on the left or right turn signal, it’s nothing. Most of the time, they just go out and around anyway,” says Colclough.

Passing equipment can be dangerous because the car behind can’t see oncoming traffic very well.

“You’re always defensively driving. You’re always looking in the mirrors and say you’re turning left. The signal is on, you don’t trust that they see the left signal. You’re always watching. It doesn’t cause fear for my safety, per se, but the fear of the oncoming vehicle because they have no idea what’s about to come around from behind, but I can see it all unfolding in my mirror.”

The biggest concern for everybody involved is safety.

“I do get it. It’s frustrating. You want to get somewhere, but until you’re sitting in the farm equipment seat yourself, you just don’t get it. Keep a keen eye and just be patient more so than anything else.”