With harvest and silage season now in full swing across Victoria, we’re calling on all road users to take extra care and show patience as heavy agricultural vehicles move between paddocks, silos and storage sites.
Across Victoria, farmers are entering the busiest time of year, with crops, hay and silage being harvested. This results in more headers, trucks, tractors and machinery on rural roads, often travelling slowly, carrying wide loads, or stopping frequently during busy harvest operations.
VFF Grains President Ryan Milgate said patience can make a major difference in keeping everyone safe during one of the busiest times of the year.
“We are asking everyone, including farmers to take it easy on the roads this harvest season. Patience and sharing the roads is key.”
“Saving a few minutes by taking risks can lead to tragedy,” Mr Milgate said.
VFF Livestock President Scott Young urged all drivers to make safety their number one priority.
“No matter how tempting it is to run the risk, coming home safely at the end of the day must always be our top priority.”
“Every driver has a responsibility to look after those around them, and we can’t forget that.”
“As farmers we understand we’re driving oversized vehicles on the road. Where possible, we’ll make as much room as we can, we’re just asking others to slow down so we can all stay safe,” Mr Young said.
Drivers can help keep safe this harvest season by:
- Avoiding areas around grain receival sites, where truck and machinery traffic is especially heavy.
- Moving completely off the road when stopping, giving agricultural vehicles room to pass safely.
- Staying off unsealed roads unless absolutely necessary, as these can be damaged or become hazardous under increased harvest traffic.
- Being aware of farmers loading and unloading machinery or bales on roadsides, particularly during hay and silage cutting.
- Remaining patient around oversized machinery, such as headers, balers and tractors towing wide implement, wait for a clear, safe opportunity before overtaking.
The VFF is urging all drivers to slow down and take in their surroundings. There’s so much to see in regional Victoria, it’s worth taking your time to stop, look around and take in the regions.
The VFF is also continuing to advocate for regional Victoria’s road network to be fixed and maintained to ensure the safest possible conditions for drivers.