State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 04/30/2020 08:48 AM EDT
The novel coronavirus has impacted our world in many ways. With seemingly endless news articles, blogs and tweets it can be difficult to know where to find the critical information you need. We have compiled several key resources below to help you find the most accurate information for our state.
Click here for the Indiana State Department of Health.
Click here for Governor Holcomb's executive orders.
Click here for Governor Holcomb's Stay-At-Home Order Frequently Asked Questions.
Click here for COVID-19 related links from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.
As spring arrives and temperatures rise, farmers across Indiana will begin to plant the state's 15 million acres of crops. To keep motorists and farmers safe this planting season, several state agencies have partnered together to remind Hoosiers to be alert, slow down and share the road with farm equipment.
According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, farm vehicles other than trucks were involved in 98 crashes across the U.S., with two of those accidents occurring in Indiana.
While the term “farm equipment” encompasses a wide range of vehicles, the most common types motorists will encounter during planting season include sprayers, tractors pulling planters or tillage equipment and large trucks hauling agricultural products. These vehicles are wide, sometimes taking up most of the roadway, and often travel at speeds no greater than 25 mph.
The following list includes several safety tips for motorists approaching large farm equipment:
Farmers will pull over when they are able to let you pass, but it may take time for them to get to a safe place to do so. Be patient.
Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the roadway. Be careful when passing.
Do not pass if you are in a designated “No Passing Zone” or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel.
Do not try to pass a slow-moving vehicle on the left without ensuring that the vehicle is not planning a left turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over for you to pass when it is actually preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer.
Avoid tailgating, as some farm equipment might have to make sudden stops along the road.
Allow plenty of time to get to your destination, be aware of alternate routes and avoid distractions.
Click here for a public service announcement created by Hoosier Ag Today. You can also listen to the PSA by tuning into Hoosier Ag Today radio stations. To find a station broadcasting in your area, click here.
This month, ISDA celebrated Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week and encouraged grain and grain bin safety for farmers and those working in the agriculture industry.
This year, Stand Up 4 Grain Safety week ran April 13-17 and was hosted by the National Grain and Feed Association, Grain Handling Safety Council, Grain Elevator and Processing Society and a variety of Occupational and Safety and Health Administration programs. The week long campaign is designed to bring awareness to the dangers of large amounts of flowing grain, grain bin dangers and general on-farm safety.
According to a report by Purdue University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program, in partnership with Grain Journal, 2019 saw a 26.7% increase in grain entrapments from 2018, with 38 total incidents.
There are a variety of ways farmers can increase safety while working with grain. Some of those include:
Having a plan in place if they have to enter a grain bin.
Informing someone when they are entering a grain bin.
Having an emergency response plan in place for farm owners and employees.
Always wearing proper personal protective equipment.
