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Instead
of singling out one farm to visit this year, the company decided to
hold the event in a central location, and send out written
invitations to all their customers in Logan County. The annual Feed
in the Fields project is aimed at emphasizing that during harvest
season, it is good for farmers to take a break from the combines and
tractors, and to remember to eat well while they are working.
Each year there are a number of farm accidents, many due to long
hours spent in the fields, and a lack of proper rest. While
equipment today is much more automated and safer, the new
conveniences also make it easier for operators to stay behind
the wheel for long hours. Even with the safer equipment, working
too many hours can bring on fatigue, and fatigue can lead to
accidents.
The FCS on Wednesday offered up freshly grilled pork burgers,
chips, cookies and cold drinks. Farmers were invited to stop in
and grab lunches to take back to the field, or to eat while
enjoying a few moments visiting with FCS staff and fellow Logan
County farmers.
Guests were also encouraged to take a free cap, can beverage
cozies, and to sign up for a drawing for a free fire
extinguisher.
Each year the FCS hosts a Feed in the Fields event as well as a
second similar event at a local elevator. This year the group
will be providing lunches on October 13th at the Elkhart Grain
Elevator in Elkhart. All the haulers coming into the elevator
will be invited to a free lunch and an opportunity to get out of
their trucks to stretch and relax a bit.
Fall
harvest time is a very important time of year for area farmers.
This is the time when they see for sure what their crops have
produced and consequently get a handle on how profitable the
farm will be this year.
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It is also a time when Mother Nature is in complete control. The
warm dry days in Logan County right now mean that the stress level is low for
area farmers, but on their mind is what happens when the rains start.
When Mother Nature throws a wrench in the works, then the sense of urgency
increases as farmers work to harvest their crops. This is a point that the
general public needs to understand, especially when it comes to traveling local
highways.
Motorist should be aware of what is going on ahead of them. Farm implements,
trucks and tractors on the road will be a common experience in the next few
weeks. Remember those vehicles are generally travelling at a much slower rate
than a car. Motorists can quickly catch up with such equipment. Many of those
vehicles are also wider than the road or lane they are driving in, and it takes
time for those vehicles to get partially off the road so other vehicles may pass
by. In addition, the visibility in a combine especially, is limited. If a car is
following too closely the driver of the combine cannot see the car.
The bottom line, be careful and be patient when approaching or attempting to
pass a farm implement.
[Nila Smith] |
