With harvest season underway in Victoria, regional road users are encouraged to take extra care
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is calling on all road users to be extra cautious as harvest and silage season is now in full swing across the state, with heavy agricultural machines moving between paddocks, silos and storage sites.
Victorian farmers are entering the busiest time of year, with crops, hay and silage being harvested, resulting 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 says patience can make a major difference in keeping everyone safe.
“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.”
The VFF says 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, and staying off unsealed roads unless necessary, as these can be damaged or become hazardous under increased harvest traffic.
Other ways to keep safe include being aware of farmers loading and unloading machinery or bales on roadsides, particularly during hay and silage cutting, and remaining patient around oversized machinery – such as headers, balers and tractors towing wide implement – and wait for a clear, safe opportunity before overtaking.